Homeless Service

What can I do if I am homeless, or about to become homeless?
You can contact Community Support staff on the telephone numbers below, or call in to the office to make an appointment.

We will arrange an appointment with you so we can discuss your situation and complete a homeless application, if you want to do so, and we can provide you with any relevant information and advice.

I’m not going to be homeless immediately, but I’m worried about what might happen in the future. What should I do?

If you think you may have problems in the future, please get in touch with us as soon as possible – we may be able to help prevent you from becoming homeless.

What happens when I contact Community Support ?

To begin with you will be offered an interview with a member of the Homeless Team to assess your housing situation. Then, depending on your circumstances, you may be offered temporary accommodation while we look into your application.

How long will it take the Council to make a decision on whether I am entitled to permanent housing ?

This varies, depending on your circumstances, but we will always try to reach a decision on your application within 28 days. We will keep you informed of how this is progressing through the course of your application.

You will be advised of the Council’s decision in writing, with an explanation of how that decision was reached, and our Homeless team will be available to answer any queries you might have.

What happens if I am not satisfied that the Council has made the correct decision on my application?

If you are not in agreement with the decision we have made, you can ask us to review our assessment. You have 21 days from the date that the decision is made to request a review. Any member of the Homeless team will give you help and advice on how to do this.

Will I be housed as a result of my homelessness application?

There are various decisions that we may reach based on your circumstances. Your area Homeless Officer will be able to explain the procedure to you at interview.

Depending on the decision made on your application, the Council will either

• find permanent housing for you (and provide temporary accommodation for you until permanent housing becomes available)
  
• offer you temporary accommodation, if you need it, for a reasonable period and give you advice and assistance to help you find other accommodation.

Are there other ways to access social housing?

Even if you have no entitlement to permanent accommodation as a result of your homeless application, you will still be able to apply to the Council or to a Housing Association.

Please note that due to the demand for housing within Argyll and Bute it is unlikely that permanent housing will be available immediately.

Is there anything else that you can do to help me to find accommodation?

We have a Rent Deposit Scheme that might help you to obtain a tenancy in the private sector.

Often landlords want new tenants to pay a deposit before they move into a tenancy. This can sometimes be difficult for people on a low income to find.

We can pay a deposit to a landlord on your behalf, subject to the accommodation being of an acceptable standard. You would pay the deposit amount back to the Council in instalments over an agreed period of time.

What can I do if I need emergency assistance when Council offices are closed?

The Council operates an Out of Hours Service which you can contact on 0800 587 7285 from 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday and all day and night on weekends and public holidays.

What help is available if I am suffering from domestic abuse or harassment?

If you are suffering domestic abuse or are in fear of abuse or harassment from your partner or a former partner you should contact your local Area Homeless Office for advice and assistance. You can also contact Women’s Aid who have specialist staff who offer support and advice and can help you to find alternative accommodation. The phone number for Women’s Aid is 0870 241 3548

I would like to have some advice on my housing situation from an independent source. Who can I contact?

The Housing Advice Helpline is provided by Bute Advice Service for everyone in the Argyll & Bute area. Trained staff can advise on all types of housing issues such as homelessness, housing options, benefits, eviction prevention, money advice and debt, rents and much more.

The Housing Advice Helpline telephone number is 0800 731 8337. Calls to this number are free if you call from a landline.

Alternatively, Shelter Scotland offer free advice on housing and homelessness. They can be contacted on 0808 800 4444