If you're concerned about your housing situation, don't wait until you become homeless. Plymouth City Council's Housing and Homelessness teams can provide advice, support and practical assistance to help you stay in your current accommodation or find somewhere else to live. Support may include:help finding accommodationadvice about private rented housingsupport resolving issues with landlordsinformation about housing benefits and support with housing costshelp if you've been asked to leave by family or friendsadvice if you're facing eviction or legal actionreferrals to supported accommodation and specialist services. You can also access independent housing advice through Shelter, including information about renting, eviction, tenancy deposits, housing repairs and homelessness rights. Find out more:https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/risk-becoming-homelesshttps://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice

If you are homeless, at immediate risk of homelessness or sleeping rough, contact Plymouth City Council Housing Services as soon as possible. The team can assess your situation and help you access accommodation and support services where appropriate. Housing ServicesTelephone: 01752 668000Email: CommunityConnections@plymouth.gov.ukAddress: Hyde Park House, 82-86 Mutley Plain, Plymouth, PL4 6LF If someone is sleeping rough, a referral can also be made through StreetLink so local outreach services can offer support.

Moving into your own accommodation for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether you're leaving education, moving out of the family home, experiencing relationship breakdown, sofa surfing or struggling with tenancy issues, support is available. You may be able to get help with:understanding your housing optionsaccessing private rented accommodationknowing your rights as a tenantresolving disputes with landlordsdeposit and tenancy advicesupported housing optionshousing-related benefits and financial support. If you are sofa surfing, have been asked to leave home, are experiencing family breakdown, or have nowhere safe to stay, contact Housing Services as soon as possible. You do not need to wait until you are sleeping rough before seeking help. Skills Launchpad Plymouth can also help you access wider support around employment, training, finances and wellbeing alongside your housing needs.

PATH (Plymouth Access to Housing)PATH is Plymouth's dedicated homelessness charity, supporting people who are homeless, rough sleeping or at risk of losing their accommodation. Services include housing advice, rough sleeper outreach, life-skills support and help finding and maintaining accommodation.Website: https://www.pathdevon.org/Telephone: 01752 255889 ShekinahShekinah provides practical support for people experiencing homelessness, including advice services, shower and laundry facilities, and access to food.Telephone: 01752 203480Email: reception@shekinah.co.uk Plymouth Soup RunPlymouth Soup Run provides free food and hot drinks to people experiencing hardship across the city.Website: http://www.plymouthsouprun.org.uk/Telephone: 01752 404134Email: info@plymouthsouprun.org.uk ShelterShelter offers free expert housing advice, including support with homelessness, rent arrears, eviction, housing conditions and repairs. Housing advice: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_adviceTelephone: 0330 175 5121

If you are a care leaver, additional support may be available to help you find and maintain suitable accommodation, manage your finances and develop independent living skills. Speak to your Personal Adviser, social worker or local support service if you're worried about your housing situation. You may also be able to access homelessness prevention support through Plymouth City Council and specialist housing providers.

If you're renting privately or through a housing association, it's important to understand your rights. You have rights relating to:safe and well-maintained accommodationprotection from unfair evictiontenancy deposits and deposit protection schemesrepairs and housing conditionsknowing who your landlord isprotection from harassment and discrimination. Advice and support are available if you're experiencing problems with your landlord, poor housing conditions or issues with your tenancy. Find out more: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/information-tenants

Housing problems can affect other areas of life, including finances, wellbeing, employment and relationships. If you're struggling, don't try to manage everything alone. Take a look through all the tabs in our All About You section to get all the help you might need. If you're worried about losing your home, seek advice as early as possible. Acting quickly can help prevent a housing issue becoming a housing crisis. Need support now? If you're struggling with housing, homelessness, finances or wellbeing, don't wait until things get worse. The organisations listed above can help you understand your options and access the support available.