By Geoff Davies, Specialist Housing Advisor, Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke on Trent   Introduction This is a briefing note for support workers who are assisting customers to make a homelessness application to the Local Authority. It explains what the customer should take with them and what questions the local authority might ask the customer.  It also outlines the law in this area and what legal duties, if any, the local authority might have towards the customer.  It also explains what to do if the Council refuses to help the customer. The guide also provides a standard letter for making a homelessness application in writing.   Preparing for the interview The customer will need to explain to the local authority why they are homeless or why they are about to become homeless.  The customer should also inform the Council if they have nowhere to stay that night. It may be worth making some notes of what the customer wants to say before the interview so that nothing is forgotten. It might be useful to take the following information;   Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport if possible). Tenancy agreement, if the customer has one Evidence of why the customer has to leave the home, such as an eviction notice,… Continue Reading