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Homelessness

How we help people who are or are at risk of becoming homeless.

Shelter’s Homeless Prevention Service

Shelter are an independent housing and homelessness charity working in partnership with Westminster Housing Solutions and The Passage.  

Who is this service for? 

This service is for residents and people with a local connection to the City of Westminster who are at risk of homelessness. We aim to help residents with early interventions to prevent homelessness. 

Areas where we can provide advice support and guidance: 

  • help to keep you in your current home where possible 
  • help if you are being asked to leave your home for example family have asked you to leave or you have received a notice from your landlord 
  • advice and support to access alternative accommodation and around general housing options 
  • help if you are having issues with the affordability of you home for example rent arrears and other debt 
  • help with benefit applications and issues  
  • advice on overcrowding  
  • problems with the conditions of your home such as disrepair 
  • harassment and anti-social behaviour 
  • domestic or other violence which is impacting on your housing 
  • any other area that may put you at risk of homelessness, for example your physical/mental health, substance or alcohol use and gambling 

For people who are already homeless (for example rough sleeping or in temporary accommodation provided by the council) we would refer into partner organisations in Westminster or to a different team within Shelter. For people with a connection to a different area we will refer into services in the area where you do have a connection and help is available. 

How to access the service? 

Due to Coronavirus, Shelter will not be operating any face to face appointments or drop-ins in Westminster, we will however continue to offer a full service remotely over the phone, email and internet. 

Currently the best way to access the service for yourself or to refer someone else is to complete the online form.

Once completed a member of the team will make contact and arrange a telephone interpreter if needed. 

If you are unable to complete the online form or if you have any questions regarding referrals to the service please contact: [email protected] or call 0344 515 1540, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Additional help from Shelter 

Online self help housing advice from Shelter

Information on other ways to access help from Shelter

Public Advice Factsheets covering a general overview of a particular housing or welfare subjects

Latest housing information relating to COVID-19

Published: 20 January 2021

Last updated: 18 May 2023