The two main objectives of this guide are to: - summarize what is meant by "homelessness prevention" and its implications for the ways that local authorities deliver relevant services, and - show how the homelessness prevention ethos can be delivered in practice The guide focuses on the six "homelessness prevention" activities shown by research as being those most commonly operated by local authorities: - housing advice - rent deposit schemes - family mediation - domestic violence victim support - assistance for ex-offenders - tenancy sustainment services