Supported housing
Supported housing is for people who:
- need some support to live independently and do not have somewhere to live, or are at risk of homelessness where they live now
- need support to continue to live where they are now
- need to move to extra care housing
There are many different types of supported housing and they are accessed differently and most often by a referral from a professional.
If you have a question about supported housing and what is available for you, complete the Housing Advice form telling us about your situation, and a member of the team will be in touch:
If you need help to complete the form, please call the council using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Under 18s
If you are under 18, sofa surfing, homeless or at risk of homelessness you should contact the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Youth Homeless Prevention Team on 033 022 247 or our Homeless Team by completing the Housing Advice form or using the contact details at the bottom of this page:
Under 25s
Supported housing for young people is accessed by referral either from the Youth Homeless Prevention Team, Care Leavers or Housing Teams.
Care leavers - speak to your Personal Advisor (PA), Support Worker or Homeless Officer.
If you are under 25, homeless or at risk of homelessness please contact the Homeless Team by completing a Housing Advice form, and a member of the team will be in touch:
Adults
There are many forms of supported housing, if you work with a support service (eg mental health, learning disability or substance misuse service) they can refer you. Or if you are at risk of homelessness or homeless, your Homeless Officer can refer you. If you haven't made a homeless application please complete a Housing Advice form:
Over 55s
If you are over 55 years of age and can live independently (with or without a package of care from Adult Social Care) and have a housing need, you can apply to join the housing register for sheltered housing. A housing need means you do not own your own home or where you live is not suitable.
If you cannot live independently, you may be eligible for Extra Care Housing or a care package from West Sussex County Council (WSCC), see:
Applying for supported housing
Supported housing is allocated on referral. Please contact us if you think you need help so we can discuss your needs.
Supported housing for older people can be found through the Choice Based Lettings scheme, or by applying for extra care housing or sheltered housing.
For all of these options you will need to:
What happens when you apply
There may be a wait until you can be allocated housing to meet your needs, depending on whether there are any suitable vacancies when you apply.
Leaving supported housing
If you move into supported housing you can stay there as long as it meets your needs. If at some point you are ready to move on, your key worker will be able to help you find suitable new accommodation.
If you are ever asked to leave your supported housing accommodation, due to breaking the terms of your tenancy agreement or because you have not paid your rent, it is very unlikely that we would be able to provide you with any new accommodation, or refer you to another supported housing project.
Need assistance with this service?
Get in touch:
Housing: Accommodation Team
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Page last updated: 12 June 2026