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)

Don’t wait to seek help. Reaching out now could prevent homelessness and connect you to the support you need.

If you’re 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 drop-in centre
    Porchlight’s Dover drop-in centre is open to anyone who needs assistance, and there’s no need to book an appointment

    Mondays 9am – 11am.
    Dover Outreach Centre, Victory House, 168-170 Snargate Street, CT17 9BZ

    You can tell us about your situation and we’ll put you in touch with organisations that can help with housing, benefits, mental health and other issues you might be experiencing.

    Please note: drop-ins don’t run on bank holidays. We do our best to run all other weeks of the year, but there may be times where Porchlight can’t attend because of staff absence. If this happens, you can contact us to tell us about your situation here: Outreach and Accommodation Referral Form

     

    Porchlight
    If you are:

  • over 18
  • seeping 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

     

    Dover Outreach Centre drop-in service
    Offers practical assistance and support for people experiencing homelessness or hardship in Dover. Support includes hot meals, showers and laundry facilities, advice on housing, benefits and employment.
    Other services include Repatriation (help to return to home country) and foodbank vouchers.

    If you would rather not attend the drop-in session you can contact the centre and make an appointment.
    Monday to Friday: 9am – 11am.
    Dover Outreach Centre, Victory House, 168-170 Snargate Street, CT17 9BZ

    Telephone: 01304 339022
    Website:
    www.doveroutreachcentre.org

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