Act now
Your first step is to contact us as soon as possible.
The earlier you get in touch, the more we can do to help you keep your home.
We also have information on our website to help you:
- stay in your home
- find support if you are already homeless
You can read our Homelessness and Housing Options in Sandwell information pack for more advice.
This includes help if you are homeless because of:
- Your private tenancy is ending (for example, Section 21 or Section 8)
- Parents or relatives have asked you to leave
- Mortgage arrears
- Relationship breakdown
- Leaving care
- Leaving the armed forces
If you are homeless in an emergency
Call us straight away if:
- You have nowhere to stay tonight
- You are in immediate danger
Phone: 0121 368 1166 (option 2)
If you need help outside office hours, including weekends and bank holidays, call:
01323 690856
This number is for emergencies only.
If you have a safe place to stay, even for a short time, contact us during office hours:
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
Phone: 0121 368 1166 (option 2)
If you are at risk but have somewhere to stay
If you think you may become homeless but have somewhere to stay for now, you can register with us online.
You can use the Housing Jigsaw website to:
- Register as homeless
- Tell us about your situation
- Upload documents
- Track your case
Select Register as Homeless and choose Sandwell Council.
You can also call us on 0121 368 1166 (option 2).
Housing for young people aged 18 to 25
If you are aged 18 to 25 and are working, in training, or have a job or apprenticeship offer, you may be able to apply for:
St Basil’s Live & Work scheme
This offers:
- Low-cost housing for up to 2 years
- Time to save for future housing
- Support while you work
The homes are close to West Bromwich town centre and have good transport links.
Find out more on the St Basil’s Live & Work website.
If you have a support worker, such as a social worker, speak to them as they may be able to refer you.
Domestic abuse support
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, see our dedicated support page.
If it is not safe to stay at home, we can help you with options such as:
- The Target Hardening Scheme to make your home safer
- Staying with friends or family
- Contacting Black Country Women’s Aid for refuge spaces
- Contacting our Housing Solutions team for support
What happens next
Once you contact us, we will:
- Review the information you give
- Contact you to discuss your situation
- Ask for any extra information we need
We will work with you to understand your situation and see how we can help.
We may ask for proof, such as:
- An eviction notice
- Confirmation that you have been asked to leave
Sometimes we may decide you are not homeless or at risk.
If this happens, we will still give advice and direct you to other support.
If you are homeless or at risk, we will:
- Assign a Homelessness Prevention Officer
- Work with you to create a personal housing plan
- Look at all suitable housing options, including private renting
Where possible, we will try to help you stay in your home.
This is why it is important to contact us early.
Debt and money advice
If money problems are affecting your housing, you can get free advice from:
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Debt Advice Foundation
- Debt Advice Forum
- StepChange Debt Charity
- Citizens Advice
These services can help with:
- Debt problems
- Benefits and income
- Managing bills and arrears
Further support
You can find more help from:
- Cost of living support in Sandwell
- Household Support Fund
- Shelter
- Crisis
- Citizens Advice
- Homelessness Strategy