Homelessness prevention

Homelessness prevention

We are committed to preventing you losing your accommodation . 

So, if you are at risk of becoming homeless, do not wait until you are homeless before you seek help. If you delay getting in touch with us then you must be aware that because of the shortage of housing in Hammersmith and Fulham we cannot offer a house to everyone who has a housing problem but we can work with you to see if we can resolve your housing problem.

The housing options and advice service provides help and advice to Hammersmith and Fulham residents on a range of housing issues. These include support to help you keep your home and finding somewhere to live in Hammersmith and Fulham.

We offer a free drop-in service, telephone advice line and dedicated caseworkers for some clients to help you keep your home. We can help you explore the different options that are available to resolve your housing issues. 

Who is the service for?

Free advice is available to anyone experiencing difficulty with their housing. If we can’t help we can try to direct you to someone who can.

Housing options and advice service

We provide a range of services, some of which may be the right choice for you. These include:

» Asylum support
An Asylum Seeker is someone who comes to the UK and applies for refugee status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker. 

» Mediation service 
Mediation services provide a way for people to manage their differences without one party being forced to leave their home. If you are staying with parents, friends, other relatives or your partner and you have been asked to leave, mediation may help you resolve the problem or at least help prevent your immediate homelessness while you make alternative arrangements.

» Support for 16 and 17 year olds 
In conjunction with housing options, children's services provide limited support and practical help to young people and families in managing their difficulties, leading to the young person either staying, returning or leaving home in a planned way. Follow the link for more information

» Employment support for homeseekers
Housing problems often lead to unemployment and unemployment often leads to housing problems. Homeseekers who approach our housing services can access employment and training support and opportunities through the HELP initiative.

» Family support - expectant mothers and lone parents
If you are a family or an expectant mother, we look at your individual circumstances, including your housing and your support needs. Depending on what these are you will be provided with options tailored to meet your and your household's individual circumstances to prevent you becoming homeless. We offer a mediation service to those of you who are homeless because of friends or family asking you to leave.

» Under-occupiers - Is your home too big?
Is your home is too big and becoming harder to maintain? You could be eligible for a range of options to help you downsize. You will receive a personal case worker and higher priority on the housing register. You could also be eligible for a newly refurbished property in the borough or even a move out of London.

» Overcrowded - Is your home too small?
There are a range of options which could be available to you such as rehousing young adults and cash incentives to move to the private sector. You will have a personal case worker to assist you through the process of moving or reduce the impact of overcrowding.

Floating support
We can refer you to a support service whose workers will visit you in your own home, help you to address the crisis you are facing with your accommodation, help you to deal with it and plan for the future. 

Home visits
Our officers are responsible for confirming clients' housing history and current homeless status. They are available to negotiate with landlords over the length of notice given while attempting to prevent homelessness through mediation.

» Mortgage rescue scheme
The council is developing a package of measures designed to prevent some of the most vulnerable households from losing the homes they own. The mortgage rescue scheme is aimed at those who would be eligible for homelessness and housing assistance and is subject to a range of eligibility criteria. The scheme is intended to avoid repossessions in Hammersmith and Fulham.

» Staying put
If you are in housing need, you may be referred to the homeless prevention service called Staying Put. Through a Homelessness prevention caseworker, they assist with a wide range of housing issues.

» Private tenant's support
We investigate allegations of harassment and illegal eviction in the private rented sector and of offences against leaseholders. We seek informal settlements through negotiation and conciliation, gathering evidence and recommending prosecutions where appropriate.

» Survivors of domestic violence
The council is committed to preventing homelessness to residents in fear of violence. Our Sanctuary scheme is to help victims of domestic violence, whether owner occupiers,  private tenants or part of a household to stay in their homes by providing extra support to increase security within the home and so preventing victims and survivors of  domestic violence losing their home. 

» Support for single people
We work with partner organisations to provide help and support to homeless persons (PATHS) and vulnerable people needing help in finding and keeping accommodation and services in order to maintain independent living and to provide a better range of quality support services based on local need.

» Outreach
We make our services more accessible through building links with probation,and hospital services, working with partner organisations to provide help and support to homeless vulnerable people in order to maintain independent living.

» Assistance to rent privately - direct lettings scheme
Our Direct lettings for homeseekers scheme helps prevent homelessness among families with children and for single vulnerable people by offering you financial assistance and practical help with finding a property to rent in the private sector. Our referral-based service broadens your housing choices and lets you choose where you want to live.

We may be able to give you financial assistance and practical help with finding a property to rent and also avoid the very high rents charged in temporary accommodation.

» Watch our Housing Options in west London: Homelessness Prevention video

Contact details
For housing options and advice please see h&f advice contact information

Opening hours:	Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm
h&f advice	0845 313 3935
Address:	h&f advice 145 -155 King Street Hammersmith W6 9XY