If you find yourself in housing need and have no accommodation that you are able to access for that night then the Housing Options Team may be able to help you secure a form of emergency temporary accommodation.
What is temporary accommodation?
This could be a homeless hostel, a women’s refuge, a temporary house or flat or a bed and breakfast. The type of accommodation available will be determined by your individual circumstances and family composition.
Will I be supported during my stay in temporary accommodation?
We recognise that staying in temporary accommodation for any length of time can be difficult and have a bad effect on your family life. This is why we assign a support worker to households accommodated within our temporary accommodation. We will also aim to support you as much as possible should you have to stay for a short time in bed and breakfast. will support you through your time in temporary accommodation and move you on as soon as possible so that you can get on with your life.
Please see an example of a welcome pack| that will be issued to you if you are placed in temporary accommodation. This will be specific to the area you are allocated.
Who pays for temporary accommodation?
You are responsible for meeting the costs of any temporary accommodation which includes travel costs to get to the accommodation. The costs can range from £15 per week to £150 depending on your circumstances and on the accommodation provided and you will normally be required to pay your first rental payment up front when you arrive at the accommodation. If you are on a low income you may be entitled to claim Local Housing Allowance| to help with the costs. Some people may also be eligible for a crisis loan to help pay for the costs associated with securing emergency accommodation and this can be applied for at your local Job Centre Plus| or by calling (0800) 0328366
What type of accommodation will I be offered?
We will do our best to offer you the most suitable accommodation we have available at the time. We have a limited amount of emergency accommodation available in Gateshead and you may be placed out of borough.
What if I refuse an offer of temporary accommodation, fail to go to the temporary accommodation or vacate temporary accommodation?
If you are homeless and an offer of temporary accommodation is reasonable, if you fail to go to the accommodation secured or if you vacate the accommodation, our duty towards you may come to an end. You could ask us to review your situation but we may not offer you any further temporary accommodation.
I have pets what do I do?
It is not possible to take pets to any of the temporary accommodation we could secure for you (except any dog that supports you with a disability). You should make arrangements for your pets to be temporarily looked after by family or friends. The RSPCA may be able to give you advice if you are unable to find anyone to look after your pets see www.rspca-petretreat.com| or telephone 0300 123 8278 or 07715 540 182.
How long might I stay in temporary accommodation?
If you have made a homeless application and are placed into temporary accommodation, we will reach a decision as soon as possible and within our published service standards (link to Our Policies, strategies and standards – still to provide this information). You can help us do this by providing all of the information you are asked for and to keep looking for your own accommodation. It is not possible to guarantee how long you may be in temporary accommodation as this will vary on your individual circumstances and the availability of housing.
How do I access temporary accommodation?
You can request emergency temporary accommodation in the following way:-
During office hours at Gateshead Civic Centre
Monday – Thursday 9.00 am-5.00 pm
Friday 9.00 am – 4.30 pm
Tel: 0191 433 2636
Out of office hours by calling 0191 477 0844.
If you do require emergency temporary accommodation the officer who interviews you may have to investigate why you have nowhere to stay and this could include contacting your family, friends, landlord, partner etc so be prepared to provide contact telephone numbers and relevant addresses.
You may also be able to access emergency temporary accommodation yourself and below is a directory of local providers:
-
Salvation Army (mixed 18 +)
Sunderland
0191 5655411
-
Salvation Army (males 18 +)
Newcastle upon Tyne
0191 2339150
-
Salvation Army (females 18+)
Newcastle upon Tyne
0191 2241509
-
Tyne Hotel (males 25 +)
Newcastle upon Tyne
0191 2261707
-
YWCA (mixed 18 +)
Newcastle upon Tyne
0191 2811233
-
Salvation Army (males 18 +)
Darlington
01325 489242
-
The Fells (males 18 +)
Chester le Street
0191 3710541
-
Night Stop (mixed 16 – 25. Placed with a host family)
0191 2536161
-
Refuge accommodation and contacts for people suffering domestic abuse. Link to housing/help, support and advice with housing/support and advice/domestic abuse
-
Women’s Aid (National Helpline)
0808 2000247
-
Phoenix Guest House (males 35 +)
Gateshead
0191 4777500