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

  • If you do lose your accommodation, through no fault of your own, 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.

Temporary Accommodation

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Further information - Street Ahead Directory

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