Illustration of a mother and childHomeless or Threatened with Homelessness

What is homelessness?

Homelessness means not having a home. Even if you have a roof over your head you can still be homeless. This is because you may not have any rights to stay where you live or your home might be unsuitable for you.

What situations mean you are homeless?

You don't have to be sleeping on the streets to be classed as homeless. You might also be entitled to help as a homeless person if you are:

  • temporarily staying with friends or family
  • staying in a hostel or bed and breakfast
  • living in very overcrowded conditions
  • at risk of violence or abuse in your home
  • living in poor conditions that affect your health
  • living somewhere that you have no legal right to stay in (eg a squat)
  • living somewhere that you can't afford to pay for without depriving yourself of basic essentials
  • forced to live apart from your family or someone you would normally live with because your accommodation isn't suitable.

pdf icon To download a copy of the Homelessness Myths & Facts Opens in a new window leaflet click on the link


As of 1 April 2011, the Isos homelessness service transferred to Northumberland County Council Opens in a new window.
Their phone number is 0845 600 6400.