If you’ve completed a full homelessness application and assessment with the council, and they have refused to house you – there are still options open to you:

• You can ask the housing officer for a personalised housing plan. Find more information here >
• You can ask the council if they can make a referral to other types of housing such as hostels
• You can ask the council what other help is available, for example rent deposit schemes
• You can visit a Day Centre near you

Day Centres offer showers and hot meals and have advisors who may be able to refer you into other types of housing like hostels and supported accommodation. You can find your nearest day centre by searching the Homeless UK website.

If you believe you have a right to be housed, you can challenge the council’s decision. To find out if your case can be challenged you can get free legal advice from one of the following:

The Civil Legal Advice Line on 0345 345 4 345

A Law Centre. Find your nearest one.

You can also contact Shelter's helpline – call 0808 800 4444 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm at weekends) for advice on finding a place to stay for the night. Staff at the helpline can give you immediate practical assistance, explain your rights and suggest services that may be able to help you. 

If you can, arrange to stay for a short time with friends or family that you trust. This will give you more time to look for longer-term accommodation.