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If you're homeless or have nowhere safe to stay

Last updated
3 Apr 2024

You do not have to be sleeping on the street to be homeless. You might have a roof over your head and still be homeless if you're:

  • temporarily staying with friends or family
  • staying in a hostel
  • living in overcrowded conditions
  • living somewhere unsafe
  • living in poor conditions that affect your health

Where to get help

Your local council

Your local council has a legal duty to give advice about homelessness and how to prevent it.

It must also provide you with temporary accommodation if you need it.

Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council The Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

More advice

Simon Community Scotland

If you're rough sleeping or concerned about someone rough sleeping, you can phone Simon Community Scotland's 24-hour helplines for Glasgow and Edinburgh:

  • Glasgow: phone 0800 027 7466

  • Edinburgh: phone 0808 1782323

Shelter Scotland

You can call Shelter Scotland's free helpline on 0808 800 4444.

The opening times are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It's closed on bank holidays.

An adviser can:

  • give you immediate advice
  • tell you your rights
  • link you up with specialist or local services

You can find also more information and advice about homelessness on the Shelter Scotland website.

Citizens Advice Scotland

Your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau can give you free, confidential advice on homelessness, housing and benefits.

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