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Lantern Homes
Red-brick homes on a residential street in South West England

Emergency Accommodation

Responsive accommodation for urgent and changing housing requirements, working with local authorities, housing teams, commissioners and care organisations across Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire and South West England.

Accommodation to fit the requirement

Rooms

HMOs

Shared houses in multiple occupation

Self-contained accommodation

Whole properties

We use suitable properties already available to us, and where nothing fits, we can source a property to meet the requirement through our work with landlords.

What is emergency accommodation?

Emergency accommodation is short-term housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It gives people a safe place to stay during a housing crisis while longer-term housing is found.

It can include hostels, supported housing, night shelters or temporary placements arranged through a local authority. For many people, including those leaving domestic abuse, it's the first step towards the support they need and a more secure, long-term home.

Who we work with

  • Local authorities and housing options teams
  • Adult social services and commissioners
  • Support and care organisations placing adults they support

Accommodation is for adults aged 18 and over.

What to include in a request

  • Location or area needed
  • Type of property and number of bedrooms
  • Number of occupants
  • Timescale and expected length of stay
  • Any accessibility or other relevant requirements
A tidy red-brick semi-detached house with a planted front garden

Clear communication from first call to move-in

We keep you updated at each stage, agree arrangements in writing, and stay in touch while the accommodation is in use.

How it works

  1. 01

    Send your requirement

    Phone is quickest for urgent requests.

  2. 02

    We check availability

    We review availability and suitability against the requirement.

  3. 03

    We confirm arrangements

    We confirm the property and arrangements with you.

  4. 04

    Move-in and contact

    Move-in takes place and we stay in ongoing contact.

How to get emergency housing

Looking for emergency housing can feel overwhelming. Our Emergency Accommodation service works with councils and organisations, so if you need housing yourself, these steps can help you get support quickly.

  1. Step 1

    Contact your local council

    Your council is usually the first place to go for emergency housing. Explain your situation clearly, including any risks to your safety or health, and ask about emergency accommodation or housing support. Even if they can't offer housing straight away, they can give you advice and refer you to other services.

  2. Step 2

    Get housing advice

    Free housing advice services can explain your rights, whether you're eligible and what your options are. They can help with applications and appeals, and with finding your way through your local housing system. Your local council can tell you where to find accredited housing advice in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Lantern Homes

Tell us about your requirement

For urgent requests, calling is quickest.