Your feedback helps us to improve our website.

Translate

Support if you are at risk of homelessness

We can help you if you are homeless or at risk of being homeless. You may be legally homeless if:

  • you’ve no legal right to live in accommodation anywhere in the world
  • you cannot get into your home, for example your landlord has locked you out
  • it’s not reasonable to stay in your home, for example you’re at risk of violence or abuse
  • you’re forced to live apart from your family or people you normally live with because there’s no suitable accommodation for you
  • you’re living in very poor conditions such as overcrowding

We can offer you:

  • advice
  • emergency housing
  • support to find longer-term housing
  • help so you can stay in your home

The type of help you can get depends on:

  • your eligibility for help
  • if you’re in priority need
  • what caused you to become homeless

Find out more about how we can help you - watch our short video below.

Eligibility for help

If you live permanently in the UK, you’ll usually qualify for help.

If you’re from abroad, you may not be eligible because of your immigration status. For more information, check Shelter’s guide on housing rights.

You may be in priority need if any of the following are true:

  • you or someone you live with is pregnant
  • ‘dependent children’ live with you (children under the age of 16, or under 19 if they’re studying full-time)
  • you’re 16 or 17
  • you’re under 21 and were in care between the ages of 16 and 18
  • we assess you as vulnerable, for example as a result of old age, disability or domestic abuse
  • you’re homeless after a flood, fire or other disaster

You may also qualify for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help with your housing costs. Find out about help with housing costs.

Get advice and support

If you need any advice or help, contact us. You can get further advice and support from Shelter England.

You may be able to get free legal advice for housing problems including if you’re being evicted or you’ve been made homeless. Check if you can get legal aid.

You can get advice from Civil Legal Advice, if you’re eligible, or you can search for a legal aid adviser.

Discretionary housing payment (DHP)

DHPs are short term payments that help cover your housing costs. If you’re finding it difficult to pay your rent, we might able to offer you a DHP.

If you want to find out more about Walsall Council is doing to help end homelessness, you can read our homeless strategy. If you'd like to help support homeless people, you can get involved with Change into Action.

Introduction

Welcome to Walsall Council's quick guide to Homeless Support available in Walsall.

This video has interactive buttons you can select while watching.

When you do, the video will pause and take you to a webpage with helpful information or next steps.

Life can be unpredictable.
If you're homeless or worried about losing your home, Walsall Council is here to help.
Let's talk about the support available and how you can access it.

Are you Homeless?

What should you do if you're homeless or at risk of homelessness?

If you are:

  • sleeping rough
  • facing eviction
  • living in unsafe conditions
  • leaving care, hospital, or prison
  • experiencing domestic abuse.

You should contact Walsall Council's Housing and Welfare Team immediately. They can assess your situation and offer tailored support.

Housing Advice

Walsall Council will assess whether you're legally homeless and if you're in priority need (for example: pregnant, with children, or vulnerable due to age or health).
They may offer temporary accommodation while they help you find a longer-term solution.

Emergency Accommodation

To contact the Walsall Council Housing and Welfare Team during office hours, call 01922 652250. Weekdays (8:45am - 5:15pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45 - 4:45pm on Fridays)
Or visit the Lichfield Street Hub, 8:45am to 6pm Monday to Friday, at Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TR.

If you are homeless or facing homelessness outside of these hours, call 0300 555 2922. This out‑of‑hours emergency line is available between 8pm and 8am.

Domestic Abuse Support

If you're fleeing abuse, Walsall Council can help you find safe accommodation and connect you with specialist services.

Financial Support

You may be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) or support via our housing prevention team if you are in rent arrears or need help with deposits.
Select the Apply for DHP link on screen now to start your application.

Help with budgeting and accessing benefits is also available.

How you can Help?

How to help a rough sleeper in your area:
If you see someone sleeping rough and want to help, you can alert us via StreetLink. StreetLink connects people who are rough sleeping to local support.

If someone needs urgent medical help or is under 18, call 999.

You can donate to Change Into Action. All donations fund projects that support rough sleepers and homeless people in the Walsall borough.

Street Support Network Walsall has details about how to volunteer and donate money, food, or items to help people who are homeless.

Street Support Walsall

Street Support Walsall is a partnership of Walsall Council employees, local charities, and outreach teams offering help for rough sleepers, donations through the Change into Action scheme, and practical support like food, clothing, and health services.

Select the Street Support link to find help, or to give help.

If you wish to speak to someone for more information about what has been covered in this video, you can contact Walsall Council Homelessness and Housing Advice on 01922 652250 Monday to Friday. For emergency out-of-hours support, call 0300 555 2922.

Got a question? Ask WALIS, our chatbot on Walsall.gov.uk.

Related content

Rate this page