Hostel accommodation

If you have nowhere to live after your release from prison, you may need to look into emergency accommodation options, such as hostels and nightshelters.

You may not always get a place in a hostel just because you have nowhere else to go. Some hostels have waiting lists or will only take people who have been sent there by the Housing Executive or the Probation Board.

Speak to your housing adviser or resettlement officer if you think you may be homeless when you leave prison. They may try securing you a place in a hostel in time for your release – this is known as a “referral”.

Some hostels allow for “direct access”, i.e. they accept people at the door provided they have room. If the hostel is full, you may still be turned away.

How can I get a place in a hostel?

In some areas it can be difficult to find a place in a hostel because they have limited spaces. Other hostels will only accept people who have been sent there by an agency, such the Housing Executive or the Probation Board.

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

You can find the address or telephone number of an agency that can help you in the Advice Services Directory.

Are there any hostels for prisoners?

Some hostels have rules about who can stay. Some hostels will only help certain groups of people, such as:

single people,
young people,
people with drug or alcohol addictions,
people with mental health problems,
people leaving an institution,
families,
women fleeing domestic violence.

Specialist hostels might be able to help you with problems that are making your housing situation worse. An advice agency can tell you whether there are any specialist hostels in your area and what help they can offer you.

What will a hostel be like?

Standards in hostels vary, and so does the cost. Many hostels have strict rules. Some close during the day and you might have to be in the hostel quite early at night. Alcohol and drugs are banned from most hostels.

Most hostels don't accept couples. In most hostels you will get your own room, but you may have to share a room and washing facilities. You will also have to share cooking and laundry facilities.

Most hostels are able to help you apply for benefits, permanent housing or other services you may need. Most hostels have house rules that you must follow if you want to stay in the hostel. You can be asked to leave if you break the rules of the hostel. This can make it more difficult to find other temporary accommodation.

How long can I stay?

The length of time you can stay in a hostel varies from a couple of nights to a number of months.

If you are staying in a nightshelter, you will usually get a place to stay for a few nights only and you will be expected to sleep in a shared bedroom or a dormitory. Staff at nightshelters can offer you support with benefits and may be able to help you find more suitable accommodation. Nightshelters and hostels may also be able to help you access specialist support services.

Will I have to pay?

If you are on social security benefits or low income, you can apply for housing benefit to cover the cost of the rent. Hostel support services are paid for by Supporting People funding.

However, housing benefit will not cover all of your expenses - you may have to pay for extra services such as laundry and meals.