If you, or someone you care about, is at risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness, there is a range of support available. You can visit your local authority’s website for further information, or can seek advice and guidance from a range of agencies.
We have listed some organisations you can contact for help, guidance and support.
Homeless or at risk – The City of Edinburgh Council
Homeless or at risk | Midlothian Council
Homelessness | Homelessness | East Lothian Council
Housing Options and Homelessness – West Lothian Council
Shelter Scotland have a range of advice and guidance, as well as further support and information available via their website
Homeless, sofa surfing, or nowhere safe to stay – Shelter Scotland
If you see or know someone who is rough sleeping or you believe is at risk of rough sleeping, Simon Community Scotland have outreach teams that operate in Edinburgh and Glasgow. More information is available via their website
Jarnac Court is an emergency accommodation service based in Dalkeith, Midlothian.
Pentland House is an emergency accommodation service, based in Penicuik, Midlothian.
Our Families Project service is available across Midlothian Council. The service provides emergency and temporary accommodation to families affected by homelessness.
Emergency accommodation is immediate, short-term shelter provided the same day for anyone with nowhere safe to stay that night. Councils in Scotland have a duty to offer this as soon as you present as homeless, regardless of your circumstances or how the situation arose. Care Support Scotland provides emergency housing alongside practical support to help people take the next step.
The council must offer you somewhere to stay on the day you tell them you’re homeless. Contact the homelessness team directly, or an out-of-hours service if it’s outside office hours. You don’t need to be sleeping rough to qualify. Try not to leave out any relevant details, as this helps the council place you appropriately and quickly.
Every Scottish council has an emergency out-of-hours homelessness line for situations arising evenings, weekends, or holidays. Care Support Scotland can also be contacted directly for advice and support. It’s worth saving these numbers in advance if you think you may be at risk, so help is easy to reach the moment it’s needed.
