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Categories Of Services

Homelessness

Assistance for homeless people

The Council provides advice and assistance through its Housing Advice Service to try to prevent people from becoming homeless.  There is a great demand for housing which is affordable and because of this, the Council can help people to explore housing options to find suitable accommodation.

Homelessness
 
To help you avoid homelessness and explore options to find another home, the service will investigate your needs. A range of different housing options can be explored. People eligible and in priority need will be referred to BPHA for an assessment under Statutory Homelessness Service that can help in an emergency or as a last resort for homeless people.

The Council uses Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association (BPHA) to carry out its service to homeless people, so any assessment of a persons circumstances is carried out by BPHA.  However cases are referred to BPHA by the Council.

The Council is required by law to assist eligible and vulnerable people who become homeless. The Council must carry out enquiries to find out who qualifies. It must consider whether a person: ·

• is eligible for assistance – (some people from abroad may not be eligible.) ·        
• is actuallyhomeless or threatened with homelessness – (a person may have rights or permission to live somewhere but may not want to live there) ·        
• has a priority need – some people are less able to find somewhere to live by themselves, such as families with young children or older people ·        
• is intentionally homeless  - if a person has done anything or failed to do anything which has made them homeless the Council may be limited in the kind of help it can give. · 

Local connection If you require further advice or assistance, in the first instance you should contact:

The Housing Advice Service
Bedford Borough Council 
Town Hall
Bedford
MK40 1SJ
( 01234 221785)
email: HousingAdvice@bedford.gov.uk

Hostels and Nightshelters
There are various forms of temporary accommodation available for you to stay in.  There are a number of hostels in Bedford and we have the widest range of hostel provision in Bedfordshire.  If you require more information then please contact the Housing Advice department by email at HousingAdvice@bedford.gov.uk
  
Homelessness Strategy 2007/10

Bedford Borough Council’s Homelessness Strategy 2007-2010 'A Place Called Home' is a response to the Council’s review of homelessness and service provision in it’s area. The Homelessness Strategy is one of a number of strategies & policies produced by the Housing Service.  Please click on the following link to read the new Homelessness Strategy 2007-2010. 

Homelessness Strategy 2007 ( NaN Kb ) - DOWNLOAD

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