Housing Advice
Hostel
The hostel provides temporary accommodation for those customers who have approached the Local Authority in relation to a housing need. Please note that this accommodation is provided in accordance with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, and will be offered to those customers deemed eligible and also subject to a risk assessment. The facilities offered at the Hostel are similar to those you would find in a Hotel or B&B
- Rooms - We do supply bedding, cutlery, kettle, and fridge. We do not supply toiletries.
- Communal kitchen - We do supply microwave, toaster, and oven. We do not supply food.
- Communal lounge – We do have a TV with Freeview and sofas. We do not have Wi-Fi.
- Communal bathrooms – We do have a shower, bath, toilet and sink. We do not have ensuite bathrooms in our rooms.
- Laundry Room – We do have washing machines. We do not supply laundry detergents.
- Computer in foyer – To be used appropriately, not for personal use e.g. social media
- Access to a hoover
Please note that there are some local organisations who may be able to assist you with some of the aforementioned items, for example PATCH (opens in a new tab). Please request further information from the Hostel Wardens regarding these organisations.
What do I need to bring to the hostel?
- I.D for housing benefit e.g. passport, driving license, birth certificate
- National Insurance number
- Clothes
- Toiletries/Laundry detergent
- Food
Staff will take a photograph of you when you arrive at the hostel. This is for safety purposes. Your photograph will be stored in a locked cupboard and destroyed when you leave.
Please note that if you do not have ID you would be expected to obtain this at your earliest opportunity, and further information on how to obtain this can be requested from the Hostel Wardens and could involve, but not be limited to contacting the Register Office in the area which you were born for a copy of your birth certificate.
Rules of the hostel
As part of your placement at the Hostel you will need to sign and adhere to the terms and conditions of the license arrangement which you will have signed during your initial attendance at the Hostel.
- One visitor at a time – you are responsible for their actions
- Residents are not allowed into each other’s rooms
- Need to get permission before staying away from the Hostel overnight.
- No alcohol, drugs or weapons permitted
- Smoking only permitted in designated smoking area
- If you put a TV in your room, you will need to buy a TV license.
- Respect other residents and staff – any forms of abuse will not be tolerated
- No pets allowed
- Clean up after yourself in your room and communal areas
- Do not use the hostel for immoral or illegal activity
- Do not lend money to other residents
If rules aren’t followed, there is a warnings process in place. Please note that the Hostel Manager will determine the level of warning and also if the non-compliance with Hostel license conditions is deemed significant then you will be asked to vacate the premises immediately, and it may be unlikely that you will be offered any further accommodation by the Local Authority.
Resident’s responsibility
- Arrange for pets to stay somewhere for the duration of their hostel stay
- Support yourself and your family or seek support from organisations
- Clean up after yourself
- Bid on properties on Choice Homes website
- Complete actions on Personal Housing Plan
- Wash own bedding
Staff responsibility
- Signpost residents to services for help and support
- Wardens cannot offer advice
- Provide help with paperwork and admin tasks
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Wi-Fi in the hostel?
No, this is not a service we provide.
Who can I contact out of office hours?
You can phone the Out of Hours Duty Service on 03003 332222
Can I just turn up to the hostel in the evening if I haven’t got anywhere to stay?
It is not a direct access hostel and any placements need to be made through the Housing Advice Team or the Out of Hours duty service.
How do I bid?
Please visit Choice Homes Pembrokeshire or phone 01437 764551 where the Contact Centre can bid on your behalf.
How long is the average stay at the hostel?
There is no average stay. Each case will depend on individual’s circumstances.
Can I lose my place at the hostel?
Yes, if you do not follow the hostel rules or do not engage with your Personal Housing Plan, you risk losing your place.
Is there car parking?
Yes
Is there storage/space for my belongings?
You will need to organise storage for your furniture/belongings. You will be provided with a bed, wardrobe, fridge, table and chair. You will need to bring clothes, toiletries, laundry detergent and food.
What happen if I don’t pick up my stuff when I’ve left the hostel?
We will remove your belongings if you don’t pick them up within 28 days of leaving
Is there a phone I can use?
There is a phone you can use, however this is not for personal calls
Will I have to pay full rent for the hostel if I get a job?
All residents of the Hostel will be required to complete a Housing Benefit form when they arrive at the Hostel. The completed form will then be submitted to the Council’s Revenues Services Department who will then using a means-tested assessment of the amount of Housing Benefit, if any, you will be eligible for.
Please note that the amount you will need to pay towards the Hostel will be dependent on this assessment and the minimum amount payable is £10.99 per week.