I am homeless. What should I do?

People become homeless for all sorts of reasons. If you are at risk of losing your home, can’t stay where you are, or are worried that you will have to move out soon, it is important to take action now. You can find more information here:

Homelessness prevention support to keep your home

Who is homeless?

If you have no permanent/secure accommodation or you have accommodation but are unable to live in it, you are considered homeless. You do not have to be living on the streets to be homeless.

Here are some examples of what being homeless might look like:

• You have been living with family or friends, but they have asked you to leave  
• You are unable to stay in your home because you are at risk of violence from someone you live with or used to live with
• You have separated from your partner, and you have nowhere to stay 
• You are forced to live apart from members of your family because you do not have accommodation where you can live together
• You have been evicted by Court Order    

If you are homeless or likely to become homeless in the next two months you are entitled to a homelessness assessment.

Are you homeless or at risk of becoming homeless? Is your situation urgent and you need an emergency accommodation for tonight?
Yes, and I am 16/17 year old, or an Edinburgh Care Leaver under 21. What should I do next?	Contact the Young Person Team within Homelessness Team at Edinburgh Council as soon as possible by: e-mail: homelessness.youngperson@edinburgh.gov.uk Phone:  0131 529 7355, or0131 529 7829
Yes, and I am 18 or over. Yes, and I am an Edinburgh Care Leaver, I am  over 21.   What should I do next?	You should visit one of the local council offices within Edinburgh and present yourself as homeless to them: North West Office 8 West Pilton Gardens EH4 4DP South West Office 10 Westside Plaza EH14 2ST North East Locality 101 Niddrie Mains Road EH16 4DS South East Office 40 Captains Road EH17 8HQ All locality offices are open (excluding public holidays) Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4.15pm Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Out of Hours If you do not manage to contact the relevant teams above before closing time, please reach out to the Out of Hours Service which is available after 5pm Monday – Friday or anytime over the weekend. Students (including young people under 18, and Edinburgh Care Leavers under 21) should be directed to the main council out of hours hotline. Out of hours numbers: freephone 0800 032 5968 local rate 0131 200 2000

Guidance team  

Student Advisors can offer advice on homelessness and signpost you to external organisations to ensure you are getting the best support. We can also discuss your funding and possible additional financial support from college. Please contact us if you are concerned about your housing or financial situation.  

To speak to a Student Advisor, please come to the drop-in between in Student Services between 10.30am and 2.30pm Monday till Friday. You can find our contact list here. You can also e-mail us at  guidance@edinburghcollege.ac.uk .