Homeless Application Advice

We will consider your application under the Housing Act 1996, Part V11, as amended by the Homeless Act 2002. This broadly means that we have a legal duty to make certain enquiries and tell you what we can do for you after that.

If we find that you are eligible, homeless, in priority need, unintentionally homeless and have a local connection with our area you will be owed a ‘main homelessness duty’. This means that, through the Housing Associations or the Private Sector, we will secure you accommodation that is suitable for your needs.

Our Promise to You

We will:

• Do everything we can to prevent homelessness, for example through negotiation, mediation or working with the privately rented sector
• Complete enquires into your application within 33 working days
• Answer your queries promptly, be polite and will treat everyone fairly and with courtesy and respect
• Ask your opinions and for suggestions on how to improve the service we give
• Arrange temporary accommodation for you (If you are homeless, or become homeless whilst we are investigating your application, and have a priority need). This can be Bed & Breakfast style accommodation (but only if no other form of temporary accommodation is available)
• Try to move you into temporary accommodation as soon as possible (Once we accept a duty to rehouse you) until we can find a permanent property for you
• Undertake a needs assessment for you (If you are a single person, homeless and not in priority need)
• Ensure that your housing application is maximised
• Explore options such as hostel accommodation and privately rented accommodation
• Discuss sources of accommodation.

Hostel numbers include:

• Birmingham City Mission - 0121 6436182
• St Pauls Worcester - 01905 723729
• YMCA Worcester - 01905 423197

If you wish you may contact these numbers daily to see if they have vacancies.

If you are a woman fleeing violence you can contact:

• Womens Aid - 01905 613875
• Help Line - 0800 980 3331

Out of hours:

If you find that you are homeless out of normal working hours, 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday-Friday, or on a weekend, you will need to contact:

Worcestershire Telecare Out of Hours - 08450 568035

Your Promise to Us

You will:

• Do everything you can to provide the information we ask for
• Provide us with the correct information, so we can speed up our service to you
• Try and keep appointments with your Homeless Advisor, if not phone and arrange a more suitable appointment
• Inform us immediately of any change in circumstances that may occur
• We know you are under difficult circumstances, but be polite and courteous to us.