Guidance for homeless people
If you are homeless or facing homelessness you should contact us on 01543 308709 or 01543 308703 to get advice from and book an appointment with a Housing Options Officer if necessary.
Back To TopSpeak to our Housing Options Officers
Our Housing Options Team will firstly look at your circumstances to see if there is anyway homelessness can be prevented or delayed. This would involve checking the legality of any possession proceedings that have been started, negotiation and mediation with a landlord or family member or giving money advice to enable you to remain at home.
If this is not possible we can look at other options such as a Homeless Prevention Loan to enable you to access private rented accommodation if you do not have the money for a deposit and/or rent in advance. Other options include a Homeless Application which is a legally framed process that can enable housing to be allocated on a priority basis as long as you meet certain criteria that are laid out in the homelessness legislation. If this option is taken we would need to prove that:
- You are eligible for assistance
- You are homeless
- You are in "Priority Need"
- You are not "intentionally" homeless
- You have a "local Connection" to the Lichfield District
Find out more.
Whatever option is taken, we will need certain information from you in order to proceed.
You can make the process easier and quicker by bringing relevant information from the list below to your interview with the Housing Options Officer.
For homelessness and housing advice email housing@lichfielddc.gov.uk or call 01543 308703/308709.
Back To TopProof of homelessness
We need some evidence that you are facing homelessness. This could be:
- a Notice to Quit or Eviction Notice
- a letter from people you are living with stating the date on which you must leave
- a letter from your employer stating that you must leave, if your accommodation is linked to your job
- details of your income and outgoings, if you are being evicted for non-payment of rent or mortgage
Back To TopYour household details
We need to know if you are pregnant and/or have dependent children living with you. Proof could be:
- a pregnancy certificate from a GP
- child benefit books
- care & control document from a court
- birth certificates
Back To TopProof of personal circumstances
The help we can give you may depend on whether you are classed as "vulnerable". Documents which could demonstrate vulnerability are:
- a letter from a health care professional
- proof of age if you are over 60 or under 18
- details of a medical condition or disability
Back To TopProof of a local connection
We will assist and advise you whether or not you have a local connection to the area, but may only help you with accommodation if you can demonstrate a link to the Lichfield District. Proof could be:
- evidence that you or a close relative lives in the district (e.g. a utility bill or driving licence)
- a letter from your employer, if you work in the district
Back To TopContact us
For homelessness and housing advice email: housing@lichfielddc.gov.uk or call 01543 308703/30870.