Direct Access Hostels

The housing needs department at West Wiltshire District Council will make every effort to prevent you from becoming homeless. This may involve referring you to other agencies for more specific advice and support, or helping you to bid through our choice based lettings system.

However, if you do find yourself in a homeless situation, you will need to consider the following options to solve your immediate housing need.

• Staying with friends or family
• Direct access and referral-only hostels
• Lodgings
• Private renting

Most day centres and night hostels aim to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere that offers help and support, as well as drinks and food. Some also provide advice and assistance on a range of issues, including employment, accommodation and health. Here is some more information regarding the direct access and referral-only hostels.

Action on Homelessness

12-14 Duke Street, Trowbridge Tel 01225 776606
Action on Homelessness offers a day centre. It is open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday between 10.00am and 1.30pm. They offer clothes, bedding, hot food and access to shower and clothes washing facilities. In addition to this they run workshops and there is an IT suite with internet access. They offer a directional service, sign-posting users to appropriate support and other services.

Alabare Christian Care Centres

Tel. 01722 322882 (head office)
Various hostels based in Wiltshire, Salisbury and Andover - accessed by referral procedure only.

Amber Foundation

Bythesea Road, Trowbridge Tel. 01225 759900 Fax 01225 759909
Ashley Court, Chawleigh, Devon Tel. 01769 581011 Fax 01769 581379
E-mail info@amberweb.org
Amber offers accommodation and a safe environment for people aged between 18 and 30. They provide advice, encouragement and support to help young people realise their potential and assist them with training and into employment. They can also help with drink or drug misuse or minor mental health problems.

Barnabus House

(women only)
37 Castle Road, Salisbury
Tel. 01722 421340
This hostel offers accommodation and support to vulnerable homeless women. It is accessible by referral only - you cannot just turn up. There are nine individual rooms, with a communal kitchen and bathroom.

Calvery Court Hostel

(direct access hostel)
Harding Street, Swindon Tel. 01793 538208
This hostel is for men only and has 20 bedrooms. A licence agreement will need to be signed and you will have to attend essential key working sessions help you move into more suitable accommodation. The centre is open from 8am to midnight, and both breakfast and an evening meal are provided. The cost is £124.10 but you can claim housing benefit, - £24.60 a week must be paid from your own benefit for meals etc.

Damascus House

58 St Barnard Street, Salisbury
Tel. 01722 416170
This hostel is accessible by referral procedure only - you cannot just turn up.
There are 35 individual rooms with a communal kitchen and bathroom. You can stay for up to one month, giving you time to find more suitable alternative accommodation. There is a resettlement department on-site to help with moving on.

Julian House

(night shelter)
Manvers Street, Bath Tel. 01225 311991
Emergency night shelter, providing food, support, resettlement and advice for anyone over 16. Charges housing benefit plus £2 per night - the first two nights are free while you make your housing benefit claim. You can sign in from 7.15pm, but the centre is open from 8pm to 8.30am. Registered GP always available. There are 18 places for men and three for women.

Salvation Army Hostel

(direct access homeless hostel)
Davies House, Turl Street, Swindon, SN1 1EF
Tel. 01793 531107
This 121 bed hostel is for anyone aged 18 and above who needs emergency accommodation (no children). The first night is free and housing benefit can then be claimed. The centre is open 24 hours a day and offers an evening meal and breakfast. They will also provide basic advice and support to help with resettlement.

Winchester Night Shelter

Tel. 01962 862050
This hostel is direct access all day, and it has 17 beds in nine rooms. Any individual or couple over the age of 16 years will be accepted, but there are no facilities for children. A room can only be booked on the day and not in advance, at a cost of £2 per night. Everyone is alcohol tested and has to be below the legal driving limit to be admitted.

YMCA

(direct access hostel)
Bath Tel. 01225 460471
This 202 bed hostel is for people aged 18 and above (no children). The centre is open 24 hours a day, but offers no advice or support. You will be interviewed before being offered a place and they tolerate no-one under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Charges are £120 a week or £20 a night - housing benefit is accepted and breakfast is included.