Help end homelessness:
Write to your MP to call for change
Everyone deserves a safe place to call home
“I was living on other people’s sofas before I went to the Caritas young parent accommodation. I was pregnant and have had anxiety and depression, as well as previous domestic abuse.
Moving to the accommodation gave me a safe place to live, where I could try therapy and learn new things.
I passed a parenting assessment and it meant I could live on my own and keep my baby safe. The team at Caritas were great and supported me to move us into our own house. They even helped me purchase furniture and other things we needed.
I’ve become more confident and the best part was the friendly staff. Thank you all.
I’m hoping to go to college when my baby is a bit older.”
Help us tackle homelessness by writing to your MP
Homelessness isn’t inevitable.
We’re asking you to help bring about change by writing to your MP. You can find out more about how to do so on this page, or get in touch with Annabeth Taylor in our team if you have any questions or need support: a.taylor@caritassalford.org.uk
We want a future where no-one is homeless, and every person has the chance to thrive and fulfil their dreams.
By sharing your thoughts and experiences with decision makers such as MPs, you can help bring about real-life change that could transform people’s lives.
What we’re asking for
Too many people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire are homeless. We know that a significant driver of homelessness is the freeze on Local Housing Allowance (LHA rates).
LHA rates set the maximum amount of housing benefit that someone in private rented accommodation can claim. It is supposed to make renting more affordable for people on low incomes, but in fact, less than 3 per cent of privately rented homes across the country are affordable on the current rates.
This is because the government has frozen LHA rates, which means they have not kept pace with rising rent costs. This pushes people into homelessness as they struggle to pay their rent, and prevents people experiencing homelessness from finding somewhere to live.
Please join us in calling for urgently needed change by writing to your local MP. It’s quick and easy to do but has the potential to transform lives.
What can my MP do?
We engage with MPs from across Greater Manchester regularly. By adding your voice to ours, we could – together – bring about national change.
MPs vote in parliament and can raise questions about issues raised.
They can also write to, or meet with, government ministers to help drive discussions and action.
Sometimes, MPs can request debates in parliament too – helping to raise awareness and highlight changes that could be made to improve issues experienced by people in your area.
Who is my MP and how can I contact them?
You can find out who your MP is by visiting the UK parliament website or calling the House of Commons information office: 020 7219 4272
You can contact your MP at their local constituency office by letter, phone or email. However you contact them, including your address is essential so that they can confirm you live within their constituency.
Simply include:
- Your name and address
- The issue you’re contacting them about (we have a suggested template letter below to get you started)
- Any personal experience you have of the issue if relevant
- What you’d like them to do
- Confirmation that you’d like them to update you on how they might respond
- If you’re emailing, you could send a copy to us too, by copying in Annabeth Taylor from our team: a.taylor@caritassalford.org.uk
Let us know that you’ve written to your MP
We would love to know if you’ve written to your MP to help call for change in our area when it comes to tackling homelessness.
It will help us to follow up with MPs in Greater Manchester and Lancashire and to continue to advocate for real-life changes that could end homelessness for good.
Please click below and let us know.
Thank you!
Taking action to call for change and spreading the word about our work makes such a difference.
Too many people in our area are sleeping rough or sofa surfing, unsure where their next meal will come from and not knowing if they will be safe at night.
Your kindness and support really does help as we support them to change their lives with dignity.
Thank you again.
Click here to find out more about our other campaigning work
Did you know that in our homelessness services…?
“Caritas has helped me a lot. I feel safe here…you listen to me, check on me, and help me when I have problems. It feels like people care about me here, and Caritas stopped me sleeping on the streets.”
Person accessing our services
Join our Big Sleep Out
“I can’t thank you guys enough. Without everything that you do for me, I don’t know where I would be. I know that I can come here and get the support I need.”
Person accessing our services