Options for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Local Authorities have a legal duty to assist all homeless people - firstly by providing quality information and advice, secondly, by taking action to try to prevent homelessness occurring and thirdly, when homelessness cannot be avoided by offering the homeless person or household temporary accommodation and assisting the household to secure their own permanent accommodation. In many instances the Council has a further duty to ensure that permanent housing is made available to those affected by homelessness.
What to do if you are homeless or about to become homeless
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Contact the Council’s Homelessness Service at the Housing Office at Shetland Islands Council - Housing Service, Development Services, 6 North Ness Business Park, Lerwick, ZE1 0LZ on 01595 744360 at the earliest opportunity to seek advice on what action you can take yourself and how the Homelessness team may be able to assist you. The Homelessness Duty system is explained here.
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If you are assessed and considered homeless according to legislation, the Council will provide you with temporary accommodation for a minimal period of one month. It is therefore important to contact the Homelessness Service at the earliest opportunity.
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Many of the other agencies offering housing information and advice may be able to offer you useful advice and support. (See Where to get good housing information and advice for details).
Temporary Accommodation
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The Council uses a variety of accommodation to provide temporary accommodation to households and individuals who are homeless. This includes shared accommodation, bed and breakfast accommodation and self –contained flats, houses and chalets. These are located in various parts of Shetland and may be owned by the Council, other Social Housing providers or owned by private landlords. Most of the accommodation is furnished and fully equipped.
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Temporary accommodation may be provided for an initial period until the Council reaches a decision on whether it has a duty to permanently rehouse the individual household.
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If the Council does not have a duty to permanently rehouse the household they will be offered advice and assistance in exploring the various housing options that are available.
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If the Council does have a duty to rehouse the household the homelessness staff will assist the individual in deciding what type and location of permanent housing they will consider.
Focused Futures
Focused Futures is an exciting initiative to support young homeless people in Shetland.
If you are aged 16-25, homeless or in an SIC or Hjaltland tenancy, and looking for support to move into employment, training, college or volunteering opportunities, Focused Futures could help you to reach your potential. You can take part in the project if you live in your own tenancy, or if you are homeless you can be provided with a place in shared, supported accommodation in Lerwick.
The application process is as simple as we can make it. You can get an application form from the Housing Service and we can help you to fill it in if you want. We will then meet with you to tell you more about how the project will work and look at whether it is right for you. If you get a place on the project, we will support you to develop a personal plan, to help you to improve your understanding of yourself, where you are now, and how to get where you want to be. You will take part in a range of activities and also get support to learn the skills you need to cope with living in your own place.
Focused Futures is a partnership between Shetland Islands Council Housing Service, Hjaltland Housing Association, Careers Scotland, Moving On Employment Project, Bridges, Shetland College and Life Skills.
For more information, or to find out how to apply, contact Idamay Brill at SIC Housing Service on 07825089127.