Shelter

The UK’s Biggest Housing and Homelessness Charity

Who It’s For: Families, children and individuals across England, Scotland and Wales who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in unsuitable or unsafe housing, facing eviction or struggling with housing problems. Shelter also supports families at risk of harm or abuse in their home and those who have nowhere to stay tonight.

What They Offer: Founded in 1966, Shelter is the UK’s biggest housing and homelessness charity, helping over a million people every year through free advice, support and legal services. They run a national emergency helpline, webchat service, and a network of local services offering face-to-face support and legal representation. For families with children, stable housing is the foundation of everything — education, health, safety and wellbeing — and Shelter exists to make sure no family has to face housing problems alone. They also campaign for systemic change, including new laws, more social homes and fairer policies.

Support Includes:

• Free emergency helpline — urgent housing advice for anyone homeless, at risk or in danger at home
• Webchat — online housing advice for those who prefer not to call
• Free legal advice — solicitors providing advice and court representation for eviction and homelessness cases
• Local services — face-to-face advice, drop-in sessions and community rights appointments across England
• Expert online advice — comprehensive guides on renting, eviction, applying as homeless, council housing and more
• Interpreter service — available on the helpline for non-English speakers
• Relay UK and textphone access for deaf and hearing-impaired callers
• Shelter Scotland and Shelter Cymru — separate dedicated services for Scotland and Wales
• Campaigning for affordable social housing and fairer housing laws

Referral / Access: Self-referral. No referral needed. Call the free emergency helpline or use webchat. Helpline open Monday–Friday 8am–5pm. Online advice available 24/7. Note the helpline is in high demand — try again if you cannot get through, or use the online advice pages.

Why This Matters: For families with children, losing your home — or living in fear of losing it — is one of the most destabilising things that can happen. Shelter understands that housing is not just bricks and mortar; it is the foundation of a child’s safety, health and future. Whether you are facing eviction tonight or trying to understand your rights as a tenant, Shelter’s expert advisers are here to help you fight for your family’s right to a safe and secure home.

Telephone: 0808 800 4444 (free emergency helpline, England — Mon–Fri 8am–5pm) Telephone: 0800 024 1220 (Shelter Scotland — free) Telephone: 08000 495 495 (Shelter Cymru, Wales)