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Emergency housing if you're homeless

Last updated
21 Jun 2022

If you're homeless and have nowhere to stay tonight, your local council has a legal duty to help you.

If you're eligible, your local council will advise you how to make a homeless application and give you somewhere to stay while they look into your situation.

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If your local council offices are closed, there should be an emergency or out of hours number you can call. Check your local council website for the number.

If you are rough sleeping or concerned about someone rough sleeping, you can also use the following contacts:

  • In Glasgow, the Simon Community operate a free 24-hour Rough Sleeper and Vulnerable People helpline. Phone 0800 027 7466.

  • in Edinburgh, Streetwork run a free 24-hour helpline. Phone 0808 178 2323.

Your other options

Other emergency housing options are:

  • Rapid Rehousing Welcome Centres (RRWCs) which operate in Glasgow and Edinburgh over the winter months
  • domestic violence and women's refuges

Use Shelter Scotland's advice finder to look for local services that can help you in person, or call the free housing helpline on 0808 800 444 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

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