How To Cope When Facing Potential Homelessness

There are very few situations that can feel quite as serious and urgent as the possibility of being made homeless. Whether it’s due to not being able to find another home after a lease it up, or falling behind on rent, it can feel like the walls are closing in, which can make it difficult to see a way out. However, there may be more options available than you’re able to see. Here, we’re going to take a look at some.

Get Some Support

It’s important to start by looking at the source of the problem, which can be different depending on your circumstances. However, there may be social workers, housing advisers, and even professional organisations like financial advisors that can help you, depending on the nature of the problem. There are also charities like Shelter and Citizens Advice that might be able to offer recommendations on housing, benefits, or your legal rights if you’re in conflict with a landlord.

Seek Out Emergency Housing

If you’re at imminent risk of losing your home, then you should start immediately looking for a roof over your head, even if it’s only temporary. Emergency housing services may be able to take care of your needs in the short term, and you should also look into local housing associations. Night shelters and women’s refuges can also offer immediate help if you’re in crisis or in real danger. Availability of these services can be limited, so it’s important to act quickly. You may need to be able to provide identification to get a place in some of these services, too.

Explore Your Financial Help

The sad reality is that it’s often money that comes between us and having a stable home life. If you’re facing the loss of your home due to rent arrears, job loss, or just the rising costs of living, then you should make sure that you’re taking advantage of the financial support that might be available ot you. This could be Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or other discretionary housing payments that can help you cover rent. You may also want to use budgeting advice services that can help you make your money go further.

Make Your Well-Being A Priority

It’s easy to let your standards of self-care slip when you’re coping with the stress of facing potential homelessness. However, if you neglect your physical and mental health, you can find it tough to adapt to the challenges to come. Ensure that you prioritise the essentials like food, rest, and hygiene, even when circumstances might look bad. Many shelters, charities, and community centres provide free meals, showers, and healthcare access. If you’re struggling emotionally, organisations such as Samaritans offer 24/7 support, as well. Make sure that you keep your registration with your GP, as well, even if your address changes.

The risk of homelessness should be taken seriously, and you should act as soon as you’re able. However, this means taking the time to research the help that’s available, rather than making any rash decisions. Hopefully, the tips above help you do that.

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