Organisations, businesses and individuals involved in forming the first Manchester Homelessness Charter are delighted to be celebrating six months of providing support to those in need.
The Charter deals with the problem in a practical way, by uniting everyone together under one banner to share skills and resources to tackle the issue. It has now received over 130 pledges from across the city, including 33 from businesses to support people towards employment.
Six months ago, a cross-sector partnership invited a collection of individuals, including those with lived experience of homelessness, charities and businesses, to work together in an aim to end homelessness.
By sharing experiences, key challenges and concerns, in workshops and focus groups, the collaborators created the Manchester Homelessness Charter and the action groups that co-produce ideas and solutions for the areas of greatest need.
Gary Dunstan, co-founder of homeless hub Street Support, explains: “Bringing together individuals who have been homeless, with council decision makers and representatives from the voluntary sector, businesses and universities is not easy, but it is essential if we are to see real lasting change.
“Since launching, the Charter has made major differences, including setting up new services at locations such as St Ann’s on Friday mornings which provides somewhere to go for those rough sleepers moved on from doorways. It has also improved the facilities at the Coffee4Craig evening session, which has now moved inside providing showers and hot meals to those in need, opened winter night shelters and set minimum standards for emergency accommodation.”
Supporters can also join one of ten action groups that aim to tackle the main problems faced by those experiencing homelessness, including employment and mental health issues.
The organisation is now aiming to increase the capacity of the Charter, allowing even more businesses and individuals to make pledges and offer support.
To mark the six month anniversary, Street Support has launched a video, outlining the concerning state of the current homeless situation in Manchester, which can be found here https://news.streetsupport.net/2017/01/12/manchesters-homelessness-in-numbers/.
Gary adds: “It has been incredibly exciting to see how much the Charter has accomplished in just six months. We are very aware of the difficult situation faced by those who are experiencing homelessness and are impatient to see change, so we’re very excited to see what else we can achieve.”
