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: Folkestone and Hythe District Council
Website: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Main telephone number: 01303 853000 (Monday to Friday: 10am – 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 Folkestone drop-in centre is open to anyone who needs assistance, and there’s no need to book an appointment

    Wednesdays 10am – 12pm midday.
    Rainbow Centre, 69 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 2AF

    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

     

    Rainbow Centre Homeless Support Service and Day Centre
    Offers practical assistance for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Folkestone and Hythe. This service is available to people who are:

  • sleeping rough
  • sofa surfing
  • placed in emergency accommodation by Folkestone and Hythe District Council
  • at risk of eviction.

    • Day Centre
    Monday to Friday: 10am – 12pm midday offers breakfast and refreshments.

    The Homeless Support Service
    Monday to Friday: 10am – 1pm offers practical support, such as a postal address, showers, washing facilities, and support workers to assist with accessing other support services.

    Folkestone Rainbow Centre, 69 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 2AF
    Telephone: 01303 850733 (Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm)
    Email: hss@rainbow-centre.org
    Website:
    www.rainbow-centre.org

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