Section 1 – Homelessness in Aberdeen
I am homeless, what should I do?
If you are homeless, or are likely to become homeless within the next two months, you should visit the Homelessness Section located on the ground floor of St Nicholas House, Broad Street, Aberdeen. Enter through the Podium and follow the signs.
Alternatively you can make contact by phone on 01224 522210, by fax on 01224 522297 or email: homeless@aberdeencity.gov.uk
What will happen then?
We will ask a few brief questions about your household; your current or last known address; the safety of your household items; your ethnic origin and the reason for homelessness or potential homelessness. We will seek to stabilise your situation if homeless or intervene to prevent homelessness occurring. We will provide temporary accommodation if required.
An interview will be arranged with a Homelessness Officer and details of any special needs established (e.g. an interpreter or signer). We offer a limited number of same day interviews on a first come, first served basis.
What sort of questions will you ask me?
During your interview the Homelessness Officer will ask about your last address, how you came to be homeless, whether you have any medical conditions and so on. They may also ask you for financial information if, for example, you have lost your home because you fell behind with the rent or mortgage payments. You should do your best to give us as much information as possible at your first interview.
Any notes taken at the interview will be read to you and you will be asked to confirm that the information is correct. You will be given a signed copy of this statement. You will also be asked to sign a legal declaration verifying that all the information you have provided is true. It is a criminal act to give false, misleading or inaccurate information.
What should I take with me to my interview?
It would be helpful if you could bring any letters or documents to do with why you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to your interview. These might be to do with your health or money problems, or anything else to do with why you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If you bring them to your first interview, it will help us to work out how we will be able to help you much more quickly. With your permission copies will be made of any documents you bring.
Will you keep the information I give you confidential?
All information provided is held on computer. Case notes are stored securely. Aberdeen City Council will process your information fairly and lawfully and in accordance with the principles of the Data protection Act 1998.
Can I bring a friend to my interview?
You can bring a relative, friend, adviser or anyone else who might be able to help you during the interview. You may also ask to be interviewed by an officer of the same sex if you would feel more comfortable with them.
What happens next?
We have to decide, based on the information you give us, what type of help we can give you. By law, we must decide:
- whether or not you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within two months of your interview;
- whether you are at risk, and need a home more than others;
- whether you have chosen to do something which has made you lose your home; (are homeless intentionally); and
- whether you have a local connection with the city of Aberdeen.
We will explain these issues to you at your interview.
What help can I expect to receive?
The type of help we offer you will depend on the decisions we make about the above issues. In some cases, we will offer you permanent accommodation. In others, we will offer you advice and help to find your own accommodation. If you have nowhere to stay, we will offer you temporary accommodation while we are making a decision about your application. We will give you a decision within 28 days of your first interview.
What if I become homeless outwith office hours?
Our Out of Hours Emergency Service operates from 4.45pm to 8.30am Monday to Friday. During weekends and public holidays we provide a 24 hours service.
The Out of Hours Helpline can be contacted on 01224 693350. A Standby Officer will get in touch with the caller, provide advice and assistance and arrange temporary accommodation as required.
Homeless emergency information is available in Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Polish and Russian. Telephone 01224 522210 if you require leaflets in any of the above languages.
What if I am unhappy with your decision about my application?
You have the right to ask for a review of your homelessness decision. If you disagree with a decision we make against your homeless status you must give your reasons in writing within 21 days from the date of the decision letter.
You can also appeal against offers of accommodation if you think they are unsuitable. You should write to us giving your reasons within 21 days of refusing the second offer. Before you refuse an offer of permanent accommodation it is important you discuss this with your homelessness officer first.
You have the right to access independent advocacy. The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or Aberdeen Cyrenians can help you to prepare a review request and will represent you at the hearing. You will find their contact details in our leaflet ‘Homelessness - Emergency Help in Aberdeen’ which you will have received with your decision letter. This leaflet is also available in Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Polish and Russian (tel: 01224 522210).
Your review will be heard by an officer not previously involved with your application or the original decision made, and senior to the caseworker who made the decision. If you have been given temporary accommodation you can remain there while the review is ongoing.
