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If you're homeless or have nowhere safe to stay

Last updated
27 Nov 2024

You do not have to be sleeping on the street to be homeless. You might have a roof over your head and still be homeless if you're:

  • temporarily staying with friends or family
  • staying in a hostel
  • living in overcrowded conditions
  • living somewhere unsafe
  • living in poor conditions that affect your health

Getting help from your local council

Your local council has a legal duty to help you if you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness.

It must also provide you with temporary accommodation if you need it.

Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth and Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Islands Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

Getting independent help and advice

Simon Community Scotland

If you or someone else is rough sleeping in Glasgow or Edinburgh, you can phone Simon Community Scotland's free 24-hour helpline.

In Glasgow, phone: 0800 027 7466
In Edinburgh, phone: 0808 178 2323

Get more information on the Simon Community Scotland website.

Shelter Scotland

You can call Shelter Scotland's free helpline for advice about homelessness. 

Phone: 0808 800 4444
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)

An adviser can:

  • give you immediate advice
  • tell you your rights
  • link you up with specialist or local services

You can also get advice about homelessness on the Shelter Scotland website.

Citizens Advice Scotland

You can get free, confidential advice on homelessness, housing and benefits from Citizens Advice Scotland.

Find your local bureau on the Citizens Advice Scotland website.

Domestic abuse

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you can get information and help if you want to end the relationship.

If you might lose your home

Check your rights and what you can do about:

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