Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity has helped 30 frontline charities in nine weeks and announces its next phase of funding.
The charity has provided more than £350,000 to those charities on the front line of homelessness during the pandemic.
After announcing its COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund just nine weeks ago, the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity has given more than £350,000 to frontline charities across the city region. These funds, donated by businesses and individuals, have gone to support the vital efforts of the voluntary, community and faith sectors, as they work flat-out to safeguard the health and wellbeing of people across Greater Manchester living without a home.
Tim Heatley, chair of the charity’s board of trustees, explains: “Across Greater Manchester we’re continuing to feel the impact of the crisis, and we all have a responsibility to help and support the many vulnerable people across the city region, especially those experiencing homelessness who are suffering more than most.”
“The impact these funds have had on essential frontline charities and the vulnerable people they support is indescribable and our hope is that they will have an impact not only with regards to the immediate need but in the long term.”
“Right now, the majority of those experiencing homelessness across Greater Manchester are in self-isolation accommodation – these essential funds give us an opportunity to change things in the long term. With the generosity of those living in Greater Manchester, and the support of its business community, we may be able to end rough sleeping across our city-region all together.”
Thanks to countless people and businesses across the city region the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity was able to provide more than monetary donations – the charity also distributed essential items such as food parcels, toiletries, hygiene packages and technological equipment.
Ruth Cox, regional operations manager (North), Just Life, comments: “We are delighted to receive funding from the GM Mayor’s Charity to increase our staff capacity at a time when the hidden homeless community living in unsupported temporary accommodation across Greater Manchester need our help the most.”
David Bond, grants manager at Mustard Tree, explains: “This funding is enabling us to stay open safely, and provide our usual warm welcome, offering people in a crisis access to emergency support and food.”
After three phases of funding addressing immediate emergency provision, the fourth phase of the Emergency Response Fund from Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity was launched on June 3rd. The aim is to support organisations working in the homelessness sector to begin to move from a state of emergency response into transition for the “living with Covid” phase and “building back better”.
The charity is looking specifically for schemes or projects that provide innovative solutions to a gap in provision within this challenging transitional time. Applications are for projects up to a maximum of £50,000 per organisation. Please visit the websitewww.gmmayorscharity to view the application form or contact the charity if you have any queries on enquiries@gmmayorscharity.co.
