Anira House: Our shelter is for LGBTIQ+ people who have become homeless whilst living in London and either do not meet the criteria or feel unable to access existing services. We do not accept agency referrals, national or international self referrals or operate a waiting list.

We are a frontline only service and do not work remotely. Please attend our LGBTIQ+ Centre drop-in sessions to discuss your housing needs with a member of our team.

If you are not based in London or you are unable to attend our LGBTIQ+ Centre we advise you to contact the LGBTIQ+ helplines below for further advice and support.

Star Refuge: Due to reopen in Autumn/Winter 2023.

COVID / MPox Emergency Hotel: This project ended in April 2023 having provided over 3000 nights in hotels for LGBTIQ+ people over the winter seasons 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23.

OUT OF HOURS: If it is out of hours (after 5pm or weekends) we would suggest contacting your local councils out of hours service. Shelter has a guide on how to do this HERE.

Please select below which best applies to you:

I am under 25 years old

If you are a young person (16-25) experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment contact LGBTIQ+ Youth Homelessness Advice Service AKT.

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If it is out of hours (after 5pm) we would suggest contacting your local council’s out of hours service for emergency accommodation. Shelter has a guide on how to do this HERE.

I am experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or think I might be

If someone is being abusive towards you in your home contact Galop National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 Mon-Fri 10am – 5pm (Wed & Thurs 8pm)

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If it is out of hours (after 5pm) we would suggest contacting your local council’s out of hours service for emergency accommodation. Shelter has a guide on how to do this HERE.

I am over 25 years old

If you are at risk of homelessness contact Stonewall Housing LGBTIQ+ Housing Advice Line 0207 359 5767 Mon-Fri 10am – 1pm, or complete a self referral form: HERE

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If it is out of hours (after 5pm) we would suggest contacting your local council’s out of hours service for emergency accommodation. Shelter has a guide on how to do this HERE.

Our History:

Our Shelter opened in 2017 as a winter night shelter. This is the first of its kind identity responsive service for the LGBTIQ+ Community in London. This service was initially crowdfunded for by London’s LGBTIQ+ Community during Pride 2017. It has been funded by the GLA since reopening in 2018.

It’s not like in the films – you don’t need to pay or queue up each night to get in. Everyone has their own room and a proper bed. We have support workers on site throughout the day. We have activities like walking groups, photography and meditation. It’s always been a low drama community space.

Most people don’t think they are homeless ‘enough’ to come to us sooner. If you feel unsafe where you are staying, if you are sofa-surfing or using apps to find places to sleep then please attend one of our drop-in sessions or contact the advice services above to discuss your housing needs.

Emergency Hotel and Outreach: This was initially funded by the LGBTIQ+ Community in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Winter 2021/22 and Winter 2022/23 has been funded by the Winter Transformation Fund. This service ended in April 2023.

We now have an Outreach Service in Westminster commissioned by Westminster Council. If you are homeless / at risk of homelessness in Westminster please contact Lee@lgbtiqoutside.org to find out more about this service.

Art by @LaikEcola

In response to COVID-19 The Outside Project opened STAR Refuge between June 2020-September 2021. This vital project is currently developing into a permanent service and continues to be funded by MOPAC (Mayors Office for Policing and Crime). In the interim of STAR Refuge re-opening we run a weekly drop-in at our LGBTIQ+ Centre for LGBTIQ+ people who are survivors or are experiencing Domestic Abuse.

HOUSING SERVICES

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