Finding safe and stable shelter is a major challenge for people experiencing homelessness. Hostels can sometimes offer a temporary solution. While many think of hostels as budget accommodations for travelers, some also serve as shelters for people without a home. In this article, we explain how hostels can support homeless individuals, what services are available, and the process to access them. This guide combines hotel expertise with accessible language to help readers better understand the options available.
Hostel Accessibility for Homeless Individuals
How Hostels Can Help
Hostels are shared living spaces that typically offer short-term stays in dormitory-style rooms. While most hostels are designed for backpackers or budget travelers, some specialize in supporting homeless people. These facilities are often known as homeless hostels or supported accommodation.
Homeless hostels provide more than just a bed for the night. Many offer support services aimed at helping people move towards independent living. They are often run by charities, religious organizations, or government programs.
Referral Processes
Access to these hostels usually requires a referral. Homeless individuals can’t always walk in and request a room. Instead, referrals often come through:
Charities or NGOs: Organizations like Shelter or the Salvation Army can connect individuals to hostels.
Local Authorities: Councils often have homelessness teams that assess people’s needs and refer them to suitable hostels.
Outreach Teams: These are professionals or volunteers who work directly on the streets and help rough sleepers access services.
In emergency cases, referrals can be fast-tracked. But in general, the process includes an assessment to determine eligibility and urgency of need.
Cost and Funding
Are Hostels Free?
Some homeless hostels are free, especially night shelters or emergency accommodations. However, most hostels require some form of payment. The cost can vary based on location, services, and the type of accommodation.
Housing Benefits and Service Charges
In many regions, individuals can use housing benefits to cover the cost of staying in a hostel. These benefits may also include a portion for service charges that cover things like cleaning, security, or meals. In the UK, for example, people on low or no income may qualify for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, which can be used to pay hostel fees.
Some hostels charge extra for meals, laundry, or key services. If the individual doesn’t have any income, local authorities or charities may step in to help cover costs temporarily.
Facilities and Services
Typical Amenities
Homeless hostels usually offer basic but essential amenities to support day-to-day living. These can include:
Shared Bedrooms: Dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds.
Communal Kitchens: Facilities to cook meals, although some hostels provide meals.
Laundry Rooms: Access to washers and dryers.
Showers and Toilets: Often shared but regularly cleaned.
Common Rooms: Spaces to socialize, watch TV, or access Wi-Fi.
Support Services
In addition to accommodation, many hostels offer support services to help residents get back on their feet. These services might include:
Help with Finding Long-Term Housing: Case workers or housing officers may assist in securing permanent homes.
Employment Support: Job training, resume building, and job placement services.
Mental Health Services: Counseling or referrals to professionals.
Substance Abuse Help: Detox programs, group meetings, and recovery support.
Benefit Assistance: Guidance in applying for government support programs.
These services aim to address the root causes of homelessness and support individuals on the path to independence.
Types of Hostels
Homeless Hostels
These are long-term accommodations specifically for people experiencing homelessness. Residents often stay for several weeks or months while they work toward securing stable housing. Entry usually requires a referral.
Night Shelters
Night shelters provide a bed for the night, often in a communal space. These are short-term solutions, and guests usually have to leave each morning. Night shelters are typically free or very low-cost and may operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Winter Shelters
Available during cold months, winter shelters offer emergency accommodation to prevent deaths from exposure. They may be run by churches or community groups and often open when temperatures drop below a certain point.
Eligibility Criteria
Each type of hostel or shelter may have different requirements. Common eligibility factors include:
- Age (some hostels only accept adults)
- Local connection (residency in a certain area)
- Assessment of vulnerability (such as mental illness or being at risk)
- Behavior history (some hostels do not accept people with a history of violence)
It’s important to go through an official referral process to understand which options are available and suitable.
Challenges and Limitations
Barriers to Access
Although hostels can be life-saving, there are several challenges:
Waiting Lists: Demand often exceeds availability, especially in cities.
Service Charges: Not all costs are covered by benefits. Residents may need to pay for food, toiletries, or laundry.
Strict Rules: Some hostels have curfews or no-alcohol policies that may deter individuals.
Why Some Avoid Hostels
Despite the support, some homeless people choose to sleep rough. Reasons include:
Lack of Privacy: Shared spaces can be uncomfortable or feel unsafe.
Previous Bad Experiences: Conflicts with other residents or staff.
Pets Not Allowed: Many rough sleepers have pets and don’t want to be separated.
Mental Health Issues: Some individuals find the environment overwhelming.
Understanding these factors is key to improving hostel systems and making them more inclusive.
Emergency Housing Options
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
During extreme weather, local authorities may activate SWEP. This program provides emergency beds, even for individuals who normally wouldn’t qualify for housing assistance. It aims to prevent weather-related deaths among rough sleepers.
SWEP is usually triggered by:
- Temperatures below freezing for a set number of nights
- Heavy rain, snow, or storms
- Government weather warnings
To access SWEP accommodation, individuals can contact:
- Local homelessness services
- Police or emergency responders
- Outreach teams working in public areas
- Emergency and Night Shelters
In urgent cases, emergency shelters can offer a safe place for the night. These are often managed by charities and may not require a referral. They are usually first-come, first-served and may offer basic food and warmth.
Night shelters are sometimes located in churches, community halls, or vacant buildings repurposed for short-term use.
Conclusion
Yes, homeless people can stay in hostels—but it depends on the type of hostel, availability, and the individual’s situation. Homeless hostels are specifically designed to help people in crisis, providing not just shelter but support to rebuild their lives. Access often requires a referral, and while some hostels are free, others involve costs covered by housing benefits.
Facilities vary, but they typically include shared rooms, kitchens, and support services like job training or mental health care. However, barriers such as limited space, rules, and personal choice mean that hostels aren’t the right fit for everyone. In emergencies, shelters and SWEP programs offer critical alternatives.
For anyone facing homelessness—or trying to help someone who is—reaching out to local charities, councils, or outreach teams is a crucial first step. With the right guidance and support, hostels can be a pathway to stability, safety, and a better future.
