In 1966 the issue of homelessness was catapulted into the public eye by the drama, Cathy Come Home. This was a grim story about a young couple and how unemployment and poverty could lead to homelessness and a family being ripped apart, shattered by their children being taken into care. The project was shot in Birmingham where the views of local people influenced the production. The play’s theme was expressed with such reaIism that the play took on a documentary-style quality. It was possibly the first awareness raising drama ever to be broadcast, certainly on TV and in the guise of entertainment. Cathy Come Home made a deep impact on the public. National Shelter was set up in response to the feelings of outrage associated with neglect of housing need especially regarding vulnerable people. Shelter became committed to addressing issues of homelessness where services were lacking or inadequate and to push for changes in housing laws.

Shelter Nottingham Housing Advice Service began as a result of voluntary groups campaigning on behalf of the people in Nottinghamshire affected by housing problems and homelessness. After two years development work funded by National Shelter our organisation became an independent housing advice and advocacy service in 1984. We are run by our own management committee while remaining part of the National Shelter Housing Aid Network. Shelter NHAS is both a registered charity (number 701037)and a limited company.