Unfortunately, homelessness is an issue that impacts university students. We've put together some resources so you know what to do if you're ever facing a housing crisis.
Unfortunately, homelessness is an issue that impacts university students. We've put together some resources so you know what to do if you're ever facing a housing crisis.
Shelter states that a person does not have to be sleeping rough to be considered homeless. A person threatened with homelessness will either be homeless within 56 days or has been served a valid Section 21 notice which expires within 56 days.
The Housing Act 1996 also provides a definition for someone who is considered legally homeless. Unfortunately, at some point in life, certain individuals may experience homelessness or be threatened with it. This can be for a variety of reasons. But you should never feel ashamed or undermine your need for support. Thankfully there are many services that offer free shelter for a number of nights until you can get permanent accommodation.
Schemes
Shelter England – Shelter provides emergency housing for the homeless for 16-25-year-olds. Shelter England can connect homeless students or those at risk of homelessness to temporary accommodation through their local council.
Spear (homelessness to independence) - They operate in Richmond and Merton to provide accommodation for 16–25-year-olds for any kind of homelessness. Students can be referred via the local council or a social worker after assessments have been made around the individual’s circumstances. Situations such as family breakdown, and vulnerability of the individual are taken into consideration.
Centrepoint - They offer emergency accommodation and longer-term housing and accommodation services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They also support young people through employability programmes and provide financial and legal advice to those at risk of homelessness.
DePaul - Depaul UK runs night-stop services in London, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, the North East and Hertfordshire, while communities and charities run additional nightstops around the UK, managed and accredited by the Nightstop UK team at Depaul. Nightstop provides homeless people aged under 25 with free overnight accommodation in the home of a trained volunteer.
You can use the scheme for up to three weeks and might stay with the same host or different hosts during this time.
Streetlink - A website where anyone can report on behalf of someone over the age of 18 if they are rough sleeping. The details provided get sent to the local authority or outreach service in that area. It is important to note that if you think the person you are concerned about is under 18, you must call the police.
Help available
If you are at risk of homelessness or have been made homeless, please contact the Advice Centre at advice@su.rhul.ac.uk. We are open from 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday and located upstairs in the SU building. Our friendly advisors can advise and support you in obtaining temporary accommodation on or off campus.