Help us to prevent homelessness. Let us know if you’re struggling.

With World Homeless Day this Sunday, North East Lincolnshire Council has renewed calls for struggling residents to get in touch if they are facing becoming homeless in the near future.

Sudden unemployment, increased financial commitments, family bereavement and poor mental health are all known causes of homelessness, but often by reaching out for support, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from ending up without a home.

Now, the Council is encouraging residents who might be struggling to get in touch sooner rather than later so the local authority can step in and try to prevent them from becoming homeless.

Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for economic growth, housing and tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Anyone could find themselves homeless. Our homelessness prevention service works with lots of vulnerable people every day who have struggled in silence.

“We’re encouraging residents to come forward as soon as they think they might be struggling to keep on top of bills or are at risk of becoming homelessness for whatever reason. The sooner we know about the issue, the more likely it will be that we can help. Guesthouses and hostels are the offer for those who approach without notice. The sooner you get in touch the better we can draw up a plan together to prevent homelessness happening.

“Our team works with tenants and landlords to try to find a solution to prevent people becoming homeless. They do some fantastic work in keeping people off the streets, and this isn’t often the sort of thing people hear about because most of it goes unseen.

“We also work with lots of partner organisations to help those who are already sleeping rough to offer support to get them back into proper accommodation.”

The call follows the news that the Council’s homeless prevention team successfully rehomed some 66 people during the height of the COVID pandemic as part of the Government’s Everyone In scheme, working with them to get their lives back on track.

To get help for yourself or someone you know, you can complete a homelessness prevention form online at www.nelincs.gov.uk/homes-and-property.

Alternatively, you can contact the Council on 01472 326296 (option 1).