MONEY AND OTHER PRACTICAL HELP
As well as sorting out a place to stay, you'll need money to live on. Unless you have a job that you are still able to go to, you'll need to make a claim for benefits as soon as possible. If you are making a new claim, it may take a while before you get any money; apply for a Crisis Loan while you're waiting. For more information, see money for emergencies - crisis loans & grants.
If you are already claiming benefits, you will need to let the Jobcentre Plus know about your new circumstances and new address if you have one. Otherwise, you can arrange to pick up your giro in person. You can still claim benefits if you are homeless.
Most organisations don't give out money, but can help in other ways, for example with food, clothing, laundry, travel warrants, showers, medical help or telephone calls.
ORGANISATIONS WHO CAN HELP
Both Castlegate and Customer Advice Centre can help. See if you are being told to leave.
If you have been in care past your 16th birthday you can get information, advice and support on housing and other issues until you reach 21 from York Pathway Team.
Peasholme Resettlement Centre offers supported accommodation (see here) and support to people who have accommodation but have housing problems. During the day they offer a range of workshops and activities. These include personal skills, money management, housing and benefits advice, and one to one support. You will need to be referred to Peasholme by another agency.
Salvation Army Early Intervention and Prevention Team - work with people who are homeless or sleeping rough and those in danger of becoming homeless e.g. by losing their tenancy. Long term they offer resettlement support. They may also be able to help sort out hostel accommodation and/or provide emergency travel warrants. I.D. and proof of need required. Salvation Army may also give out food parcels (you'll need access to cooking facilities). You usually need to be referred by another agency, eg Castlegate.
HARP - can tell you about your rights if you are homeless, and give you advice and information about the law; they can also help challenge decisions made by the Council.
Carecent - provide a free breakfast, befriending, signposting and advice service. They also have a clothes store. Open Mon-Sat 8.30-11.00am (last food 10.45) including bank holidays (and Christmas day by invitation). Carecent is behind and to the left of the Central Methodist Church on St. Saviourgate.
Advisory Service for Squatters - offer advice and information if you are squatting, and produce The Squatters Handbook - currently £2. They also have information for travellers on their website.
Shelterline - a helpline for housing problems. They can explain your rights, also on their website, and help you to take action.