Support someone at risk of homelessness

People often come to you before they speak to us. This page gives you clear guidance on how to support someone who may be at risk of homelessness or domestic abuse, and how to contact us if you need advice.

We want to work alongside you to make sure people get the right help early.

Support local charities

We work with a number of local organisations to provide support to homeless people and rough sleepers. You can help too by supporting local charities.

Supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse

If someone tells you they don’t feel safe at home, your support can make a real difference. 

If they are in immediate danger, call 999.

Help them access specialist support

You can encourage them to contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline or a local specialist service.

These organisations offer confidential, non‑judgmental support and can help them think through their options safely.

• Telephone: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours)
• Live chat: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ 

If they prefer face‑to‑face support, you can take them to the One Stop Shop, where they can speak to an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).

See One Stop Shop locations and times.

If they want to stay in their home

Many people do not want - or are not ready - to leave. Partner agencies can refer directly to Richmond’s  Safety First Scheme, which offers:

• A free property security survey
• Replacement locks
• A heavy‑duty door
• A Careline alarm linked directly to the police

This support is free for tenants and homeowners.

To refer, contact Richmond Housing:

• Email: housingadvice@richmond.gov.uk 
• Telephone: 020 8891 7409

If they are homeless or at risk of homelessness

You can help them contact the Housing team early. They do not need to have left home to ask for help.

Telephone: 020 8891 7409

Their IDVA can support them through the process and speak to the housing team on their behalf if needed.

How you can help someone at risk of homelessness

You don’t need to solve everything. Small steps make a big difference:

• Encourage early conversations with landlords, family or housemates
• Help them think through temporary options
• Support them to look for accommodation themselves
• Signpost to benefits calculators, debt advice and rental search tools
• If they feel unsafe, help them access specialist domestic abuse support

If you’re unsure what to do, you can contact us for guidance and we can work alongside you.

What we can and cannot offer

It helps to understand what support the council is legally allowed to provide.

• Everyone gets advice and support to help them find accommodation
• Only some people qualify for emergency or temporary housing
• This depends on whether we have reason to believe they may have a priority need
• Even with priority need, temporary accommodation is short‑term and may not be local
• People still need to take steps to find their own longer‑term home

Priority need is a complicated area. If you are single, have no children and have no additional vulnerabilities, you are unlikely to be eligible for temporary accommodation. Priority need covers people who would be at greater risk if homeless, such as those with children or experiencing harm.

If someone is not in priority need, we still help by giving clear advice, creating a Personal Housing Plan and supporting them to take steps to secure accommodation.

If you’re unsure what to do, you can contact us for guidance and we can work alongside you.

Contact us

If you’re supporting someone who may be at risk of homelessness, you can request a callback from our Housing team.

You can call on their behalf (with consent) or help them make contact themselves.