A lot has changed since March when the UK first entered national lockdown to try to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. However, one thing remains the same and that’s the homelessness crisis facing Greater Manchester.
Recent figures show that there are more than 5,500 people across Greater Manchester who are homeless, meaning they’re either living on the streets or in temporary accommodation. There are also growing concerns that this number could increase as a direct result of the pandemic, as additional strain is put on both people’s finances and relationships with family and friends.
Whilst at the start of the COVID-19 crisis many homeless people across the region were provided with accommodation in hotels and at other sites, our Feed Manchester team is now seeing an increasing number of people return to the streets – all of whom need our help more than ever.
Our volunteers carry out a run every Friday, handing out food, drinks and supplies, and the message coming across loud and clear from our friends on the street is that the pandemic has made their situation even harder. With many pubs and bars having to close their doors completely and other venues shutting at 10pm, footfall has significantly decreased in the city centre meaning people receive less money and food from passersby.
That’s why it’s so important for us to keep going out week after week to support the homeless, whether it’s providing them with a hot meal, a cup of (always sugary!) tea, warm clothes or just someone to talk to. As the nights get colder and darker our team of volunteers is committed to taking out our trolleys every week to help those in need.
We’re not ashamed to say that we too rely on the charity of others, whether that’s their time, their kind donations of meals and 
snacks, or financial support to make sure we can keep operating. We are always in need of warm clothing, socks, gloves, hats, underwear, food, snacks, sleeping bags and blankets, so if you’re able to help please get in touch using the contact details on our website. And of course, if you can spare some time, then join our brilliant group of volunteers – you really couldn’t meet a nicer group of people!
The simple fact is that pandemic or no pandemic, as long as there are people on the streets of Greater Manchester who need our help, we’ll be there.
Charissa Chadderton, Team Leader
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