Shelter

About the Organization

Shelter is a leading UK charity dedicated to defending the right to a safe and secure home. Founded on the belief that home is a human right, Shelter works tirelessly to end the housing emergency affecting millions of people across the country. The organization offers vital support to those facing homelessness, unsafe living conditions, or housing insecurity, combining front-line advice with national campaigning and policy reform. Its mission is simple but profound: to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or income, has a safe place to live.

Shelter’s work spans both direct assistance to individuals in crisis and systemic advocacy aimed at tackling the root causes of the UK’s housing problems. Whether through local advice centres, its free national helpline, or extensive online resources, Shelter remains one of the most trusted sources of housing guidance and legal support in the country.

Services & Programs

Shelter provides a comprehensive range of housing support services that address the needs of people at every stage of housing distress.

Local support: Across the UK, Shelter’s advice and support centres offer one-to-one, personalised help for those struggling with rent arrears, eviction, or homelessness. These local services connect people with trained advisers who can guide them through urgent housing problems and find sustainable solutions.

Online guidance: The Shelter website contains an extensive library of free, expert information on topics such as reclaiming tenancy deposits, understanding tenants’ rights, and applying for housing assistance. It also includes access to live webchat advisers for those who need direct support.

Emergency helpline: Shelter operates a free, national helpline providing urgent advice to people who are homeless, have nowhere to stay, or are at risk of harm or abuse in their homes. This lifeline ensures that help is available when it is needed most.

Legal aid: The organization’s team of solicitors offer free legal advice and representation for those who have lost their homes or face eviction. They attend court on behalf of clients, ensuring that individuals are not left to navigate complex housing disputes alone.

Who They Support

Shelter supports anyone experiencing housing difficulties in the UK. This includes individuals and families who are homeless, living in temporary or unsafe accommodation, or at risk of eviction. The charity also assists renters facing discrimination, unsafe housing conditions, or exploitative landlords. Its services are designed to help both those in immediate crisis and those seeking long-term stability. Shelter’s reach extends to people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances—anyone affected by the housing emergency.

Regional Coverage

Shelter operates across England, Scotland, and Wales, providing a nationwide network of housing advice and legal support. Its local centres are embedded in communities where housing problems are most severe, allowing the charity to tailor assistance to local conditions. In addition to in-person support, Shelter’s online resources and helpline ensure that help is accessible anywhere in the UK, including rural and remote areas.

Role in the Employment Landscape

Stable housing is a foundation for employment, education, and health. By defending the right to a safe home, Shelter indirectly supports job seekers and working families who may be struggling to maintain employment due to unstable living situations. Many people supported by Shelter are in work but face insecurity because of unaffordable rents or unsafe housing. By addressing housing barriers, the organization helps individuals regain stability—making it easier to focus on career progression, training, and long-term employment.

Summary

Shelter stands as one of the UK’s most important housing and homelessness charities, offering a combination of direct advice, legal aid, campaigning, and research. Its mission—to ensure that everyone has a safe home—is fundamental to wider social and economic wellbeing. For job seekers and working people alike, Shelter’s services can mean the difference between losing and keeping a home, or between housing insecurity and the stability needed to move forward. Through its advice, advocacy, and relentless campaigning for housing justice, Shelter continues to be a cornerstone of support for those navigating the UK’s housing crisis.