Based on what you have told us, we have these suggestions.
While this is not a substitute for personalised, professional advice, we hope it is a useful starting point.

Your Area

Your local council is: Dover District Council
Website: www.dover.gov.uk
Main telephone number: 01304 821199 (Monday to Friday: 9am – 4pm)

Your county council is: Kent County Council
Website: www.kent.gov.uk
Main telephone number: 03000 41 41 41 (Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm)

Shelter
Shelter provide clear guidance on what help you can expect from the prison or probation services if you’re leaving and have nowhere to stay.
Click here: Shelter – Homelessness applications

Your local council
You can also contact the council directly for homeless assistance and ask to make a homelessness application.

If you find yourself sleeping rough
If you’re sleeping outside, preparing to sleep, or staying somewhere not meant for living, like a car, StreetLink can connect you with local outreach services.
Here’s what to do:

How to register an alert
1. Visit www.thestreetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914.
2. Share your exact location and times you’ll be there; outreach teams usually go out at night.
3. Describe your appearance (e.g., clothing, colour of tent or sleeping bag, pets) to help the team identify you.
4. Provide contact details if possible – you can choose to receive updates via email or SMS.

What happens next?

  • Local outreach teams will aim to find you within 2–3 working days. They will have identification to show who they are. They may work for the council or a charity.
  • If your location changes, you will need to submit a new alert to make sure the teams can find you.
  • If they cannot find you they will leave a card with their contact details on.
  • Outreach workers will ask you for some information to understand your needs.

    • They will then discuss support options with you, such as:

  • safe accommodation
  • mental health services
  • benefits or employment advice.

    • Extreme weather
    During severe weather, the local council may activate SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) to provide emergency shelter.
    Check your local council’s website for updates.

    Porchlight

    If you are:

  • over 18
  • sleeping rough, homeless, or at risk of homelessness
  • experiencing challenges such as mental health problems, drug and alcohol problems, or other support needs
  • have a local connection to this area

    • You may be able to get help via Porchlight’s homelessness services.

    You can refer yourself to our services at any time. Complete our referral form on the link below and our team will contact you about next steps.

    Outreach and Accommodation Referral Form

     

    What do we mean by local connection?
    A local connection refers to your ties to a particular area or community. This could include:

  • Living in the area: If you’ve been living in the area for a certain period of time.
  • Family connections: If you have close family members (such as parents, siblings, or children) who live in the area and depend on you, or you depend on them.
  • Work connections: If you are currently employed in the area.
  • Other strong connections: For example, if you’ve been receiving significant support or services in the area.

    • Email And Print Resource

    Email Form