Other reasons you might be at risk of homelessness
If something unexpected has happened and you’re worried about losing your home, choose the situation that applies to you.
Alcohol or substance misuse problems
If you have drink or substance misuse problems, we may be able to help if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness and you are unable to make provisions for yourself.
Our duty
We can provide advice to you to help you find alternative accommodation.
We will not have a duty to provide temporary accommodation unless you are considered to be eligible, homeless and have priority need. You can find out more about the assessment criteria or see Shelter: 080 8800 4444.
If you are single with support needs, you are strongly advised to engage with the drug and alcohol service.
Other related services and support
For further advice and assistance, you can talk to your GP about referrals to help your recovery.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - helpline for people with drink problems
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – for people with drink or drug problems
- Talk to Frank - offers free confidential advice 24 hours a day
- Drinkline: 0300 123 1110
- Adfam National - national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol
- Alateen: support for 12 to 20-year-olds affected by someone else's drinking
- London Friend: LGBT targeted drug and alcohol support service
Fire, flood or another emergency
If your home is not habitable, our Housing team can help you find temporary accommodation.
We can also help you:
- Stay with family or friends safely
- Understand your landlord’s responsibilities
- Check if insurance covers repairs or temporary housing
For advice about rent during repairs:
- Shelter: 0808 800 4444
- Citizens Advice Battersea: 0300 330 1169
Leaving care
Children’s Services must help you find somewhere to live until you turn 18.
Contact Children's Services: 020 8871 7899
If you’re 18 to 25, your personal adviser should continue supporting you with housing, benefits and independent living.
If you’re unsure who to contact, speak to our Housing team.
Leaving the armed forces
Your main point of contact is the Joint Service Housing Advice Office.
Telephone: 01252 787574
Other organisations that can help:
- Op FORTITUDE: 0800 952 0774
- Help for Heroes: 0300 303 9888
- Royal British Legion: 0808 802 8080
- Veterans’ Gateway: 0808 802 1212
- Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation: 0207 385 2110
- Veterans Aid: 0800 012 6867
If you need local support, contact our Housing team.
Leaving prison
Speak to your probation officer or prison housing adviser before release.
They can help you plan where you will live and make a referral to us.
If you have nowhere to stay:
- Shelter: 0808 800 4444
- Nacro BASS: 0300 555 0264
- Langley House Trust: 0333 003 5025
- St Giles Trust: 020 7703 7000
You can also contact our Housing team for advice.
Leaving hospital
Tell the hospital nursing staff as early as possible.
The discharge team can make a referral to us with your consent.
If you need help applying for housing or adapting your home, contact our Housing team.
Money worries, arrears or risk of repossession
If you’re falling behind with payments, contact our Housing team as soon as possible.
We can help you with:
- Rent or mortgage arrears
- Eviction or repossession notices
- Budgeting and benefits
- Talking to your landlord or lender
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
Free independent debt advice:
- Citizens Advice Wandsworth: 020 8712 7800
- National Debtline: 0800 808 4000
- StepChange 0800 138 1111
- Money Advice Service: 0300 500 5000
- Debt Advice Foundation: 0800 043 4050
Sleeping rough or street homeless
For immediate help:
- StreetLink and London Street Rescue: 0300 500 0914
- St Mungo’s No Second Night Out: 0203 856 6000
These services aim to secure emergency accommodation for people sleeping on the street.
You can also contact our Housing team for advice and support.
Other emergency services (food, showers, day centres)
These organisations offer emergency housing, advice, meals, wash facilities or drop‑ins:
- London Youth Gateway: 0330 053 6091
- Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness: 020 8255 7400
- Nightstop London: 020 7939 1226
- Runaway Helpline: 116 000
- Ace of Clubs (Clapham): 020 7720 2811
- Albert Kennedy Trust (LGBTQ+ young people): 020 7831
- New Horizon Youth Centre (16 to 21): 020 7388 5560
- Spires Centre (Tooting Bec): 020 8696 0943
- Southall Black Sisters: 020 8571 0800
- Stonewall Housing: 0800 640 4404
- Shelter emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444
- Citizens Advice: 0808 278 7833
- Samaritans: 116 123
Not sure which applies to you?
If you’re worried about losing your home for any reason, contact our Housing team.
We’ll listen, explain your options and help you take the next steps.
Help for other housing situations
Find out about the housing options available for retired and older people.