Homeless help

Winter Watch

During the cold winter months, we operate a scheme called Winter Watch. When Winter Watch is in operation, rough sleepers can access a warm indoor location to sleep in. Winter Watch is activated when outdoor temperatures fall below zero degrees Celsius for three consecutive nights. On the fourth night of freezing temperatures, indoor sleeping facilities are provided.

Rough sleepers can be referred to Winter Watch via the Foxton Centre, Knowsley Street, Avenham, Preston. Telephone 01772 555925. Please visit the Foxton Centre by 3.00pm to be referred to the scheme.

How we can help

If you are homeless or threatened with becoming homeless please contact us and we will assess your situation to determine what help we can offer you.

A homeless assessment will be carried out if we have been unable to prevent homelessness or been unable to find you other accommodation after a housing options interview.

A homelessness assessment will cover the following points as required by law:

• Eligibility - this is an assessment of immigration status which determines eligibility to make a homeless application 
• Homelessness - we look at when or if accommodation has been or will be lost
• Priority need - certain types of households such as families with dependant children or vulnerable individuals are entitled to more help than other groups
• Intentionality - here we look at the cause of homelessness and whether accommodation was lost deliberately  
• Local connection - with this area and any other council area

Temporary accommodation may be provided while a decision about the application is made.

If you live outside of the Preston area please contact your local authority housing department or housing advisory service for further information. You can find a list of links to all local authorities websites through the DirectGov A-Z of councils page.

We offer free confidential advice on housing problems. You can call to see a Housing Advisory Officer at our Birley Street offices. No appointment is required and home visits can be arranged.

The out of hours telephone number for this service is 01772 251076.

Support services

There are several external organisations that run support services for rough sleepers in Preston. Details of the services available can be seen on the Homeless in Preston website.