Leaving Home in the Highlands

If you think that you may be at risk of becoming homeless here are answers to some of the questions that other people just like you have asked when they were going through a similar situation.

As soon as you have a problem with housing contact your local Housing Office for help and advice. If you think you might become homeless in the future then arrange a meeting with an Accommodation/Housing Officer. This can help to avoid a crisis, and we may be able to prevent you from becoming homeless.

You will need to answer a number of questions and fill out an in depth Homeless Assessment form.

You will be asked:

about your last address
why you can't live there any more
how you came to be homeless
your family situation
if you have any medical conditions
and, you may be asked to provide financial information if, for example, you have lost housing because you've not managed to pay your rent.

What should I take with me to the meeting?

You should take any letters or documents that relate to your homelessness, your health or you financial situation.

The information you take with you will be kept confidential.

Can I bring a friend along to the meeting?

Yes. You can also choose to be interviewed by a male or femle accommodation/housing officer

Click on the Shelter logo to be taken to their Homelessness Assessment which will help you understand what you are entitled to.

Comments

What advice would you give to some one who is facing homelessness who is not in the 16 - 25 age range?

Left by Aaron from Inverness on 12 September 2008

If you were facing homelessness under the age of 16 years - is there a possibility of staying with another family member; do you have a grandparent of other family member you could stay with? If you didn't have anyone you could live with then you would need to think about contacting social work who could support you through the family breakdown. If you are in school is there anyone at school, a teacher etc, that could help you?

If you are over 16 years old then you would need to go to the main service point in your area and present as homeless. The service point or Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) would be able to give you housing support or homelessness advice.

Left by Staff Member from Calman on 15 September 2008