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Guildford Borough Council : Help For People Who Are Rough Sleeping

Guildford Borough Council : Help For People Who Are Rough Sleeping

What do we do to help people who are rough sleeping?

The Homeless Outreach and Support Team (HOST) provide advice and support to people who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness. The HOST team operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. When HOST aren’t on duty, Number 5 HUB on York Road can respond to queries, provide guidance, and offer advice. The HOST team responds to reports from Streetlink and information shared by the public and various services, including Guildford Borough Council, police, probation, and Guildford Action etc. They aim to visit sleep sites on the same day they receive reports. The support provided is tailored to the individual’s personal circumstances.

Contact information:

HOST: 01483 302495

Number Five: 01483 303646

What can HOST offer a person who is rough sleeping?

The primary goal is finding a pathway to end a person’s rough sleeping but initially the focus will be on enabling access to essential facilities and services, including mental or physical healthcare, to meet basic and urgent needs.   

Emergency accommodation:

The Number Five Hub is the primary provider of emergency and short-term accommodation for single people in the borough. They work closely with HOST to coordinate admissions. Priority is given to local individuals before extending offers to those with no connection to Guildford. A safe sit-up space is also available for those needing a secure place for the evening, providing a safe, dry, and warm/cool environment.

We have access to emergency accommodation providers outside the borough. When offering accommodation elsewhere, travel warrants, food, toiletry parcels, and visiting support are provided to aid individuals in finding move-on accommodation.

Out-of-hours advice can be sought from staff at Number Five, but they do not offer visits to sleep sites and access to emergency accommodation is unlikely as spaces are usually filled during the day. 

Severe Weather Emergency protocol (SWEP):

During severe weather, efforts intensify to contact rough sleepers and offer short-term accommodation to prevent serious harm or death. It’s essential to note that while offers are extended, individuals cannot be forced to accept accommodation.

FAQs and social media:

Answers to frequently asked questions and social media involvement clarify that confidentiality is maintained regarding specific individuals. However, anyone known to be rough sleeping in the borough is offered help.

Community Support:

Local community support, while often well-intentioned, can vary in effectiveness. Encouragement to engage HOST for more impactful assistance is advised.

How You Can Help:

Notify HOST to link individuals in need with specialised services or direct them to appropriate resources.

Contact information for assistance:

  • Number Five (24/7): 01483 303646 (facilities, accommodation, and advice)
  • HOST (Mon-Fri, 8 am-6 pm): 01483 302495 (specialist advice for people who are rough sleeping)
  • Guildford Action day service (Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm): 01483 560003 (facilities, advice, and referral to HOST)

Support Real Change Guildford: Visit Real Change Guildford website for information on initiatives combating homelessness.