Guide to Emergency and Social Housing

   

 

Guide to Emergency 

and 

Social Housing
 

This guide provides practical advice for people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) who are navigating emergency accommodation, social housing, and medical priority applications in Ireland. It draws on lived experience, healthcare guidance, and housing procedures. While the guide is relevant to people with ME across all levels of severity, particular emphasis is placed on severe ME, where housing and care needs can be especially complex and often overlooked.

Emergency Housing

Emergency accommodation is temporary housing arranged by local authorities under the Housing Act 1988.

A local authority may provide emergency accommodation if:

·        you have no accommodation you can reasonably stay in, and

·        you cannot secure accommodation yourself.

You do not need to be on the social housing list to be assessed for emergency accommodation.

Typical emergency accommodation includes:

·        hotels

·        hostels

·        B&Bs

·        family hubs

·        occasionally short-term apartments.

It is intended to be short-term while the local authority works with you to find longer-term housing.

 

What happens once someone enters emergency accommodation

When someone is assessed as homeless or placed in emergency accommodation the local authority must engage with them through homelessness services and work toward longer-term housing options. Usually the local authority will:

·        assign a housing officer or key worker

·        assess your long-term housing needs

·        help you apply for:

-            social housing

-            HAP

-            other housing options.

Emergency accommodation varies a lot. In practice it can vary widely, including:

•             shared rooms

•             communal bathrooms

•             noisy environments

•             frequent moves between locations.

Because of this, people with severe sensory sensitivities or mobility difficulties may experience significant challenges, particularly when combined with severe ME symptoms.

 

 

About Severe ME

Severe ME is a complex, multi-system condition that can result in significant and long-term impairment to health and quality of life. People with severe ME often have very limited physical and cognitive capacity, with symptoms such as profound exhaustion, extremely low energy levels, and heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

 Emergency accommodation can significantly worsen symptoms due to:

·        Noise, light, and sensory overload

·        Shared facilities and lack of privacy

·        Frequent relocations or unstable environments

·        Physical barriers such as stairs or narrow corridors

 

Medical documentation from a GP or consultant can explain:

·        How unstable or shared environments affect your health

·        Your need for a quiet, private, low-stimulus environment

·        Specific requirements such as ground-floor or accessible accommodation

·        The risk of relapse or long-term deterioration if exposed to unsuitable environments

 

 

Risk Assessment for Emergency Accommodation

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complex, multi-system condition that can lead to significant and long-term impairment in health and quality of life. People with Severe ME are particularly vulnerable to environmental stress and physical exertion.

Precautions

·        Provide medical documentation (GP or consultant letter) explaining your diagnosis, sensitivities, and potential harm from unsuitable accommodation.

·        Request private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, or ground-floor accommodation where possible. Explain why shared or communal spaces may worsen your condition.

·        Document mobility aids (wheelchair, walking frame) and storage/charging requirements.

·        Minimize stress and exertion during relocation or assessment visits. If a move is required, plan carefully to reduce travel or physical strain.

·        Communicate your medical needs clearly to staff in advance. Ensure they understand risks of fatigue, relapse, and environmental sensitivities.

 

Why this matters

Without careful planning, emergency accommodation can trigger severe relapses, prolonged worsening of symptoms, or even permanent deterioration. Early medical documentation and risk assessment can help housing officers make appropriate placement decisions, potentially avoiding environments that are medically harmful.

If a person has significant medical needs, healthcare professionals can explain:

·        diagnosis (e.g., severe ME)

·        environmental sensitivities (noise, light, etc)

·        need for a stable and low-stimulus environment

·        mobility limitations

·        need for private accessible accommodation

·        risks of relapse or deterioration.

 

This may help housing officers understand that standard emergency accommodation may not be appropriate. Medical evidence can sometimes influence placement, for example:

·        avoiding shared dormitory-style accommodation

·        requesting a private room

·        requesting an en-suite bathroom

·        requesting ground-floor or accessible accommodation

·        requesting a quieter environment where possible.

This isn’t guaranteed (because availability is limited), but clear medical documentation can help housing officers justify different arrangements.

 

 

Important Notes for local authority/housing providers or key workers

The following notes can be copied as a stand-alone document and emailed, posted, or given to local authority housing providers or key workers. While much of this risk assessment guidance refers to severe ME, it can be adapted to reflect your own circumstances, including the specific health needs you experience and the severity of your ME. The document can be edited to describe your individual needs, the impact of your condition, and any particular housing requirements.