Southend Borough Council will make a decision as to whether or not they owe the applicant a duty of care to house in more secure accommodation. This could be with a private landlord, general needs social housing, or specific supported accommodation based on the applicants needs. 

To be referred into the Hostel temporary accommodation you have to first meet 3 criteria of the 1996 Housing Act; that is you must be:

Homeless

Eligible for assistance

In priority need (e.g. have proven medical issues, or have children, or are pregnant)

You can also be referred via Southend Council if you are fleeing domestic violence.   South Essex Homes facilitates a Domestic Violence refuge for women.

Rooms have beds, storage units and hanging rails for clothes, TV aerial points, fridge-freezer.   Some rooms have kitchen areas and some have their own bathroom facilities.     Most rooms share the communal kitchens and bathrooms or wet rooms. ‘Home Pack s‘ are issued for those who have no belongings when they arrive which consists of bedding, towels, kitchen equipment and laundry basket.

All buildings have a laundry with washing machines and tumble driers, outside clothes lines are also provided.

Residents have use of the communal lounges which are well furnished and have a computer, WiFi access and soon to be installed wall mounted TV.

All buildings have a garden area with seating.

Daily contact with Hostel Manager.

Access to a support worker from Family Mosaic.

Access to a Health Visitor.

Useful information pack and signposting to other agencies.

Access to college courses, including South Essex Homes free Tenancy Sustainment Course.