It is not uncommon for a person to be released from prison with nowhere to live.

Many prisoners and people leaving custody face barriers in getting and keeping housing, which in turn makes integrating in society even more challenging. There is no stability in sleeping rough or sleeping on friends’ sofas and such living conditions can often trigger a relapse in alcohol or drug abuse. Settled, permanent housing is often a crucial factor in moving away from the life of offending.

If you are worried about being homeless on release , there is information available to guide you through applying as homeless to the Housing Executive.

The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.

If you are unable to arrange suitable accommodation for yourself in time for your release, seek help urgently with the housing adviser or resettlement staff in your prison. Housing advisers within prisons can also help you make a homeless application while you’re still in prison, provided you know your actual release date.

If you are already released with nowhere to go, you can present as homeless to the Housing Executive Homeless Services Unit (Great Victoria Street, Belfast) or contact the office by telephone on 028 9031 7000. Alternatively, you could go to a hostel or nightshelter, or get further help from organisations such as Housing Rights Service .

Arrange to see an adviser or a member of the resettlement staff as soon as you become aware that you may not have anywhere to live after you leave prison.