Homeless Shelter Insurance

Homeless groups face some unique risks in their activities particularly considering the nature of the service users at the heart of your activities.  Individuals facing issues of homelessness sometimes have wider issues including mental health or addiction challenges.  These can mean that the service users are vulnerable but can also exhibit unpredictable behaviour and in the worst instances, violent behaviour.

Public Liability Insurance for Homeless Charities

It is vital therefore that any community group or charity working in the homeless sector arranges appropriate public liability insurance.  The liability insurance should also be arranged ensuring that:

• A full disclosure of material facts is made to the insurer so there is no doubt about the nature of your activities with vulnerable service users
• Consideration is given to the matter of abuse, ensuring that cover is in place should an allegation be made by a service user about such mistreatment at the hands of a volunteer or employee of the charity.
• Employer liability insurance for your homeless charity will also protect you if a volunteer or staff member is injured by a service user and makes an allegation against the charity.

Homeless Charities and Advice

Many homeless charities are involved in discharging advice for their members.  This might be as simple as providing signposting to other services or it might be far more involved.

Many charities might become involved in providing advice on housing benefit, helping users to complete forms and access services.  Even more involved, some groups might become involved in advocacy services even representing their services users at tribunals.

These activities carry a professional risk and therefore professional indemnity insurance is a consideration.