If you see someone who appears to be homeless or sleeping rough, there are a number of agencies which can support them:

• Housing Solutions team - to let us know about a homeless person / rough sleeper, call 01642 726800 or email housingsolutions@middlesbrough.gov.uk (during office hours). The out of hours service (after 5pm or on weekends and Bank Holidays) can also be reached on 01642 726800.
• Street Link - let us know about a homeless person or rough sleeper by making a report online. If you've requested an update, you'll be told within 10 days what action we took as a result of your alert.

Other ways you can help

It may be tempting to give money to someone who appears to be homeless or sleeping rough. Instead, please consider making a donation to a homelessness charity, or buying a copy of The Big Issue. That way you can be sure your money will be spent on helping support people in Middlesbrough who are homeless or sleeping rough.

In an emergency

If you come across someone who is unwell, unresponsive, or distressed, please call 999.

During severe weather

During spells of severe cold weather, we provide extra emergency accommodation. Severe cold weather is when the weather is forecast to be sub-zero.

When this happens, the usual guidelines about who we have a duty to provide emergency accommodation to are lifted, and extra provision is made for rough sleepers, regardless of their status.

We work in partnership with local organisations and housing providers to make this extra accommodation available, covering the accommodation and staff costs. Read the full Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

Where will rough sleepers be taken to sleep?

Rough sleepers will be placed in bed and breakfast (B&B) type accommodation or other temporary accommodation on a night-by-night basis. The accommodation is basic but safe and secure, and there are staff on duty who can support the individual through the night.

Free breakfast is provided in all emergency accommodation in Middlesbrough, and the individual is kept warm and feel safe for the night. The Homeless Team will then work with the individual to secure suitable longer-term accommodation.

Advice

Call the Housing Solutions team on 0800 130 3667, and someone will give you advice and information over the phone. If you do not have a phone, you can go to Middlesbrough House to use a phone.

Find out more about how the Housing Solutions team can help you.

Where will I be taken to sleep?

Rough sleepers will be placed in bed and breakfast (B&B) type accommodation or other temporary accommodation on a night-by-night basis. The accommodation is basic but safe and secure, and there are staff on duty who can support you through the night.

Free breakfast is provided in all emergency accommodation in Middlesbrough, and you'll be able to keep warm and safe for the night. The Homeless Team will then work with you to secure suitable longer-term accommodation.

Who else can support me?

There are many other services available too; you can check the Support for homeless people / rough sleepers page to see if there's someone who can help.

If you can't find what you need, please get in touch and we'll try and put you in contact with someone who can help you.

Make sure to stay safe on the streets, stay warm, and make sure you eat and drink.

Emergency accommodation during severe weather

During spells of severe cold weather, we provide extra emergency accommodation. Severe cold weather is when the weather is forecast to be sub-zero.

When this happens, the usual guidelines about who we have a duty to provide emergency accommodation to are lifted, and extra provision is made for rough sleepers, regardless of their status. This is called the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is evaluating the support given to people sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough during and after the COVID-19 national lockdown. If you're taking part, read the privacy notice to find out how your data will be collected, stored, and used.