Homelessness is something that happens to many ordinary people all over Britain. Society has for many years accepted that it must find accommodation for those people who become "homeless", as defined by Act of Parliament. Local authorities have a legal duty to help homeless people - firstly by interviewing them and assessing their housing situation and, secondly, by offering them temporary or permanent accommodation - provided the applicant's circumstances warrant it, according to criteria laid down in Part II of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 and amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.

For further information view West Dunbatonshire Council's Homelessness Strategy page, or

email homeless.strategy@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.

Out of Hours Emergency Service

Our Out of Hours Emergency Service is available for homelessness emergencies, which arise outwith normal office hours just call 0800 197 1004 .

Reporting Empty Homes

If you wish to report an empty home please visit www.reportemptyhomes.com

Information Leaflets

We have produced a number of leaflets to provide advice and information on the homelessness service.

West Dunbartonshire Homelessness Information Guide

The West Dunbartonshire Homelessness Information Guide provides an overview of what to do and who to contact if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness. It briefly explains the homelessness criteria and assessment process. The leaflet outlines our legal duties and provides information for other agencies, which may be able to provide information and advice on homelessness.

Homelessness Services Customer Service Charter

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness we provide a homelessness service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Homelessness Services Customer Charter explains what level of service you can expect if you approach us for assistance.

Housing Support Service leaflet

We provide a Housing Support Service which gives support to people who have been assessed as having difficulty preparing for or coping with their tenancy. The Housing Support Service Leaflet provides information on how you can access this service.

Housing Support Service Guide

We provide a Housing Support Services Guide which gives you details of support agencies who may be able to assist you. The guide details how you can contact each service.

Homelessness and Domestic Abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you don’t have to suffer alone.

There are people ready to listen, offer information and support you. Many people experiencing domestic abuse stay with an abusive partner because they fear there is nowhere else to go. West Dunbartonshire Council’s Homeless Services can help by offering advice, information and alternative accommodation for you and your children. The Homelessness and Domestic Abuse leaflet provides more detailed information.

This guide has been put together to give

Homelessness Fact Sheets

We have produced homelessness fact sheets to provide further information about Homelessness and what can be done to prevent homelessness;

Fact Sheet 1 – What you can do to help?

Fact Sheet 2 – Young people and Homelessness

Fact Sheet 3 – Health workers and Homelessness

Fact Sheet 4 – Working in Employment or Benefits