I am homeless
Being homeless is tough. We’re here to help.
If you’re a homeless man or a woman over the age of 18 in South London and you’d like to stay in our night shelter between November and April, your first step is to see an advice worker at one of the day centres below.
They’ll ask you a few questions about your current situation. If both you and the advisor think it’s a good idea, they’ll apply for a place for you in our winter shelter. Sometimes, instead of referring you to us they’ll recommend other options or services better suited to your needs.
If you get a place with us we’ll provide you with a warm bed, two meals a day and emotional and practical support and advice to help you rebuild your life.
Please note that you can’t apply to us directly. It’s very unlikely that we can offer you a place on the same day.
What to do if you’re sleeping rough
If you are sleeping rough tonight you can contact Street Link by phone (0300 500 0914) or online. They will arrange for the local outreach team to come and visit you. They will also give you advice and support, and may be able to get you into temporary accommodation.
Streetlink can ONLY help you if you are sleeping rough tonight.
Day centres
The following centres will be able to refer you to the Robes Night Shelter. They also offer a range of day services and free or cheap food. You can find out more on their websites.
Day centres can be busy places with lots of things going on. When you arrive, always make it clear to a staff member or volunteer that you would like to see an advice worker!
The entrance is at 12 Melior St, London SE1 3QP
Open 7 days a week from 8:30am until 1:30pm.
Advice workers are around every day. To get seen, arrive early in the morning, as it’s first come first served.
St Alphonsus Road, Clapham, SW4 7AS
Open Monday to Friday 12pm until 3pm (Tuesdays women only)
8 Tooting Bec Gardens, St Leonard’s Church Hall, SW16 1RB
Open Monday to Friday. See their website for opening times.
6-8 Webber Street, Waterloo, SE1 8QA
Open Monday to Thursday & Saturday 9 am to 12 pm
Friday 9am to 12pm (advice & info drop in)
Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers
Open Tuesdays at Copleston Centre, Copleston Road, Peckham SE15 4AN, 12:30pm – 5:00pm.
Open Wednesdays at Peckham Park Road Baptist Church, 121 Peckham Park Road SE15 6SX, 11am – 2.45pm
Open Thursdays at Crossway Christian Centre, 18 Hampton Street, SE1 5SN, 12.30pm – 5.00pm (Now closed, more info soon)
These services can also refer you to us, if you are already engaging with them:
The Southwark SPOT Street Outreach Team and Lambeth Safer Streets Outreach Team
Peckham JCP
Other sources of help
If you would like to look at other options or you are based outside South London, the following resources might help:
Pavement magazine gives info about a range of day centres, soup kitchens, advice services and night shelters across London and England
The Shelter helpline gives over the phone advice if you are homeless or risk losing your home
Your local council may also be able to help you, but often you need to meet specific criteria to be eligible. You can find out more from your local authority