Being homeless means you don’t have a home you can reasonably live in, either in the UK or anywhere else in the world. Homelessness isn’t just about sleeping on the streets, and it’s not a problem limited to expensive areas. Here are some situations that count as homelessness:

• Rooflessness: You have no shelter at all and are sleeping rough.
• Houselessness: You have somewhere to sleep, but it’s only temporary, such as a shelter or an institution.
• Insecure housing: Your living situation is unstable, for example, you could be forced out because of eviction, domestic violence, or you’re staying with friends or family (‘sofa surfing’).
• Inadequate housing: Your home is unfit to live in, extremely overcrowded, or you’re living in places like caravans on illegal campsites.

The Council's Housing Department can help you and provide support across a range of homeless situations including:

• Support for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
• Homeless advice
• Rough sleeping
• People who need accommodation now (have nowhere to stay tonight)

You can find help and support with these issues on the Housing department's Homeless Services website. 

There is homelessness support available 24/7 over the telephone, with details again available on the Homelessness Service website. 

In additional to the support provided by the Housing Department, there are also support services commissioned by Birmingham's Public Health service that can help people who are affected by homelessness

Emerging Futures

Support for adults (18+) affected by homelessness, substance misuse, and health needs. Services include:

• Housing & structured therapeutic support
• Behavioural change programmes & coaching
• Peer-led family support
• Emergency housing for rough sleepers
• Stable homes for recovery & independent living

Contact via:

• Online referral: http://www.emergingfutures.org.uk/contact/
• Email: bhamhousing@emergingfutures.org.uk
• Webpage: http://www.emergingfutures.org.uk/ 
• Call: 0795 891 3318

SIFA Fireside

Support for adults 25+ (single or childless couples) affected by homelessness. Services include:

• Emergency & rough sleeper support
• Housing Navigator for those with drug/alcohol issues
• Financial help, food & clothing vouchers
• Care Of postal address, document storage & health services
• Workshops & skills development

Contact via:

• In-person: Drop-in Mon–Fri, 9am–12:45pm and workshops: Mon–Fri, from 1pm (except Weds)
• Address: Liverpool St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4DY
• Call: 0121 766 1700
• Email: office@sifafireside.co.uk
• Website: http://sifafireside.co.uk/