Housing

Hostels

Barking and Dagenham provide hostel and support accommodation across the borough; these are used as temporary accommodation for homeless households pending the outcome of enquiries into their homeless application.

Households are placed at the discretion of the Housing Advice Service, according to current legislation, Council Policy, relevant case law and having regard to the Code of Guidance.

Barking and Dagenham are working in partnership with Look Ahead Housing Association, who manages 2 supported housing units at Bevan House, Barking and Summerfield House, Dagenham.

To be assisted at the hostel you have to meet the first 3 criteria of the Housing Act 1996 Part VII as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002; that is you must be:

Homeless
Eligible for assistance
In priority need (e.g. have proven medical issues or have children/pregnant etc.)

You can also approach the service if you are fleeing domestic violence. This also applies to out of hours admissions generally.

To obtain further information about temporary accommodation (and help if you are facing or are homeless), please contact the Housing Advice and Homeless Prevention Team or request an advice and assistance pack (which contains all useful information including details on direct access hostels).

Alternatively you can arrange to meet with an experienced officer to discuss your housing enquiry in a confidential environment.