Accommodation for the homeless

Last Updated: 21 November 2023

There are various organisations which offer help and advice about accommodation for anyone who is homeless or is at risk of homelessness.

Emergency accommodation

Town View Fields Hostel, Kendal: Accommodation is generally offered for people who are homeless and who we have a duty to house.

Springfield Kendal: short term supported accommodation for vulnerable women over 18 years of age, prioritising women who have been affected by domestic abuse. Can accept direct referrals in emergencies.

Cumbria Safeguarding Hub: offer an assessment of needs and, where needed, emergency accommodation for sixteen and seventeen year olds.

Longer-term accommodation

Housing providers

Cumbria Choice: most housing association properties are advertised through the Countywide Choice Based Lettings System.

Eden Housing Association: properties to rent in Coniston and Satterthwaite.

Fairoak Housing Association: properties to rent, suitable for people with learning disabilities and other disabilities. A furniture scheme is provided.

Home Group: properties to rent throughout South Lakeland.

South Lakes Housing: properties to rent throughout South Lakeland.

Castles & Coasts Housing Association: properties to rent across the North of England.

Riverside: runs the Help to Buy scheme across Cumbria, provides properties to rent throughout South Lakeland and supported housing.

Affordable Homes to buy: information on affordable home ownership.

Housing support

You can get support to help you become independent and manage your home from Riverside.

 Housing support can help with:

  • becoming more independent 
  • applying for benefits, budgeting and managing debt 
  • finding somewhere to live and setting up home 
  • getting other support or community services
  • getting work or training
  • dealing with other professionals, family and neighbours and getting advice and guidance
  • your health and wellbeing
  • security and personal safety    

There are a number of supported housing schemes for people with:

  • learning difficulties
  • physical disabilities
  • mental health problems
  • problems with homelessness

Apply for support linked to short-term accommodation (PDF 464KB / 6 pages)

For further advice contact the Housing Options team using the details below, the same telephone number applies for out of hours calls.