The Routes Home Good Practice Guide is a practical tool for all agencies involved in supporting European Economic Area (EEA) migrants who are rough sleeping to make positive changes and find healthier, long-term solutions away from the street. EEA nationals who become homeless may be without recourse to public funds and unable to access the accommodation and support they need.
The guide is based on direct frontline experience and many years of supporting people to leave the streets and contains practical tips and suggestions to help our partners in London and beyond. The resource is intended to support agencies to develop a person-centred approach and to provide a platform of resources to help allow people to make informed choices about staying in the UK or returning to a country where they have prior connections. A route home can mean different things for different people. Due to the harmful and dangerous impact that rough sleeping has, it is important to access the safest, quickest and most sustainable route off of the streets; enabling people to access services, seek treatment and return to family.
In London, agencies can refer EEA nationals with high or complex support needs to the Routes Home Service. This guidance aims to equip our partner services to support people with lower support needs in carrying out assessment and motivational work to help people to move away from homelessness. It includes information about UK consulates of EU countries. It is also intended to be of use to agencies outside London, particularly in areas where currently there are no specialist services for EEA nationals.
If you have any questions, please contact: referrals@routeshome.org.uk
This guide focuses on EEA nationals. There are a range of alternative resources available to guide work supporting people from non-EEA countries who are on the streets.
