Rough sleeping

Challenges in finding longer term accommodation

Private rented accommodation can be expensive for people.

This means that rough sleepers who come to Guildford find their options to stay here limited.

HOST finds opportunities available, if it is safe to do so, the offer will be to refer the person back to their home area. This means the person has more options the opportunity to get the help they need.

HOST will always give advice and help to anyone found rough sleeping in Guildford.

Sometimes people refuse offers of help

When this happens, HOST and other agencies in Guildford who work with rough sleepers, do not give up.

Homelessness is a complex issue and there are many reasons why someone may refuse help and choose to remain on the streets.

We provide reassurance that people are not left on the streets with no help. The door to support is always left open.

Street begging

It is likely that any person seen begging in Guildford will be someone that HOST is already aware of. Find out more on our Street begging page.

Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) for rough sleepers

During winter we work with local providers of accommodation to make sure help is available. SWEP operates when specific weather happens and then stops when conditions improve.

SWEP accommodation is for anyone. This includes:

• people not eligible for other services
• people with no access to public funds
• for SWEP enquiries, please contact the HOST team by emailing guildfordhost@riverside.org.uk or call 01483 302495

Homelessness emergency

If you find yourself in a homelessness emergency out of hours, call 01344 949371.