Homeless London: Why are some services for homeless families not included?

Most of the services listed in Homeless London are for single homeless people. This may include couples but not families with children. Accommodation for homeless families is not usually included because you can normally only access it through your local council.

Under homelessness legislation local councils must provide help and accommodation to families as well as some groups of vulnerable single homeless people who are not intentionally homeless. This may be in the form of access to council housing, or temporary hostels for homeless families or temporary rented accommodation.

If you are about to become homeless and have children, you should go to your local council's Housing Department as soon as possible. Each Housing Department runs a homeless persons unit or housing advice centre and they will advise you on your housing options and entitlements and may be able to offer you somewhere to stay.

Further information

• To find details of your local Housing Department select Housing department from the Service options and select the relevant Area on Search all services.
• There are also a number of services offering general advice and practical help to families that are listed on Homeless London. You can find these by selecting Families from the Person options and then selecting the relevant Area on Search all services.
• The Shelter website is a good place to look for information and advice about how your council may help you.