The Housing Executive uses hostels as temporary housing. There are different types of homeless hostels.
Finding a place in a hostel
Contact the Housing Executive if you need temporary housing.
If the Housing Executive can't offer you a space, you can
- contact the Simon Community on 0800 171 2222, or
- call different hostels to check for a bed.
You will only get a space in certain hostels if the Housing Executive or Social Services book it for you.
Different types of hostels
Some hostels are for certain types of people. The hostel might be for
- women
- single people
- families
- young people
- people with addiction issues.
Living in a hostel
Each hostel has its own rules. You can be asked to leave if you break these.
You will usually have your own room, but you may have to share kitchens and bathrooms. Very few hostels have shared bedrooms.
Some hostels are more like apartment buildings, with residents having their own flat.
Staff in the hostel are there to help you. Hostels will often work with other agencies who can help you
- apply for permanent housing
- apply for benefits
- get counselling and advice to deal with certain issues
- look at opportunities for training or work
- support you with any personal issues you are having.
Foyers
You can live in a foyer if you're under 25. There are 3 foyers in Northern Ireland
- the Strand Foyer in Derry/Londonderry, 028 7128 1155
- the Belfast Foyer in South Belfast, 0800 171 2222 and
- Flax Foyer in North Belfast, 028 9059 3301
Social services need to arrange your place if you are under 18.
Nightshelters
Nightshelters are emergency beds. You can't book a bed at the nightshelter. You have to queue up each night for a space.
These emergency nightshelters may have a bed for the night
- The Welcome Centre has emergency beds for homeless women
- Morning Star House in Belfast
- Centenary House in Belfast
Paying to live in a hostel
You have to pay rent to live in a hostel. You can apply for Housing Benefit to help with this.
You may have to pay service charges. Benefits won't usually cover these.