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Sleeping on the streets can be dangerous. You should only do it if you have no other option. This section gives practical advice on what to do if you have to sleep on the streets. If you are sleeping on the streets you should get advice as soon as possible.
The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.
Keeping warm
If you have no option but to sleep on the streets, you should:
- find somewhere sheltered,
- protect yourself against the cold by having a sleeping bag and blankets,
- avoid sleeping directly on the ground, by putting cardboard or blankets down first.
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Staying safe
It is best to stay where other people are sleeping as there is safety in numbers. However, sleeping in a visible place may put you at risk from the public. Women may be more at risk if they are in an area where there are people they do not know. If you are being hassled or attacked you should telephone emergency services from a payphone.
There are outreach teams in some areas. They visit the places where they know people are sleeping. The outreach teams may be able to help you get into a hostel or night shelter. Outreach teams are often attached to day centres that you can go to during the day.
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Staying healthy
You have a right to register with a doctor if you are sleeping on the streets. You can register with a GP if you give a 'care of address' such as a day centre, night shelter or a friend's home. Health service staff may also visit day centres and offer check ups and treatment. Some day centres employ staff to help people with mental health problems or drink and drug problems.
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Staying in touch
You may lose touch with friends and family if you are sleeping on the streets. Your friends and family may need to get in contact with you in an emergency. You may be able to keep in touch through:
- outreach teams,
- the National Missing Persons' Helpline,
- cheap internet access is offered by public libraries if you want to send and receive emails.
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Meals
Soup runs visit the places where they know people sleep. They distribute free food and drinks, sometimes on a daily basis. You may also be able to get a free or cheap meal at a day centre.
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Belongings
If you are worried about your belongings you should ask a day centre if they could store them for you.
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Pets
If you have a pet, you may be able to get free or cheap treatment through an animal charity. You may have to provide proof that you are claiming benefits and that you have nowhere permanent to live. Most hostels won't accept pets. If you are planning to stay in a hostel you should check if they allow pets.
Advice is available from your local Housing Executive District Office or Housing Rights Service.
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Homelessness Checklist
