Help and guidance for homeless families

We provide free non-legal housing advice and support to families in Enfield and other councils.

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Somhelpaid - Supporting the Homeless in Enfield

Who we are

Somhelpaid is a community organization dedicated to supporting homeless families through guidance and practical advice.

  • We specialize in helping families with children facing homelessness or housing instability
  • We have deep knowledge of Enfield housing services and council procedures
  • We also provide guidance to families in other London boroughs and surrounding councils

Our services

We provide free non-legal guidance and support to help you navigate your housing situation.

Dedicated case support

We will assign a dedicated volunteer to support your family. Most of our team are volunteers who will stay with you until:

  • Your case is successfully closed, or
  • Your homelessness application has been accepted and the council has officially taken duty to relieve your homelessness (confirmed by letter from the council)

Eligibility requirements:

  • You must have 2 or more children
  • You genuinely need assistance (our team will conduct an initial assessment)

Please note: We have limited capacity and may not be able to assign a dedicated person to every case.

Challenging council decisions

We may help you challenge decisions made by councils, but only for complaint purposes - we do not provide support at court stage.

We may also help with costs of hearings only if you are eligible, based on an assessment of your income and circumstances.

Important limitations:

  • We do NOT provide court representation - support is limited to the complaint process only
  • For legal representation in court, you must contact a qualified solicitor
  • Financial assistance for hearings is subject to eligibility assessment

Other ways we can help

  • Housing advice: Guidance on housing rights, temporary accommodation, and understanding the housing allocation process
  • Council support: Help understanding council letters and how to communicate effectively with housing departments
  • Application help: Guidance on housing applications, required documentation, and understanding the assessment process
  • Options and resources: Information about emergency accommodation, prevention services, and alternative housing pathways

Essential housing application tips

Before applying

  • Don't wait - apply up to 56 days before becoming homeless
  • Gather all documents: ID, bank statements, medical records
  • Take photos of poor housing conditions
  • Keep records of all correspondence with landlords
  • Register with the housing waiting list

During the process

  • Attend ALL appointments - missing one can end your application
  • Be honest about your circumstances
  • Ask for decisions in writing
  • Challenge unfair decisions within 21 days
  • Get support from advocates like us

Important: Enfield housing shortage

  • Temporary accommodation will likely be outside Enfield
  • You will only get ONE offer - refusal may end the council's duty
  • Consider all offers carefully - get advice before refusing
  • Support is available for school transfers and healthcare registration
View complete housing guide →

Helpful resources and contacts

Enfield Council contacts

Local Enfield organizations

Emergency accommodation & crisis support

If you need emergency accommodation tonight:

  • Call Enfield Council out of hours: 020 8804 0034
  • If you're rough sleeping, call StreetLink: 0300 500 0914
  • In immediate danger: Call 999

National homelessness organizations

Housing and legal advice

Financial support and benefits

Mental health and wellbeing

Housing advice videos & guides

Essential viewing

Key topics to watch

  • How to apply for council housing
  • Understanding your housing rights
  • What to expect from your housing interview
  • Challenging council decisions
  • Preparing for temporary accommodation
  • Housing benefit and financial support

Enfield community resources

For Somali families:

  • • Somali Community Centre Enfield
  • • Horn of Africa Development Association
  • • Enfield Somali Community Group
  • • Cultural support and interpretation services

Community support:

  • • Regular community meetings at local mosques
  • • Multilingual housing advice sessions
  • • Cultural awareness training for council staff
  • • Community advocacy and representation

Note: We work closely with Enfield's diverse communities and can provide culturally appropriate support and interpretation services.

Contact us

Get in touch with Somhelpaid

Address:

70 Fraser Road
London
N9 0BX

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm