Can you help us end homelessness in Greater Manchester and Lancashire?

Date Published: 04 Sep 2024
Photo of hands holding a blue paper cut out in the shape of a house

A large part of our work is supporting people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be shining a light on some of the ways we work alongside people to help them transform their lives, and we’ll also be shouting loudly about ways you – and decision makers across our region and nationally – can help.

Here, our director Patrick O’Dowd, explains more…

We believe everyone should have a safe, secure place to call home. That doesn’t sound like too much to ask does it?

But, sadly, far too many people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire are still experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

The reasons for this are multiple, and are often very complex. There isn’t a quick easy solution for key decision makers locally and nationally, but we’re committed to shouting loudly and trying to drive forward change to ensure people can be supported to transform their lives with dignity.

Lady in chair with computer on desk behind that has screen saver that says Caritas Salford. Another lady is sitting opposite her, only seen from the back, wearing a pink top.

Safe housing provides not only a sense of personal dignity and a safe space, but it allows families and individuals to flourish.

There are lots of ways we’re fighting to make change, including calling for:

  • An end to the use of unsupported temporary (bed and breakfast) accommodation for families and single homeless people.
  • An end to rough sleeping and the use of night shelters and shared sleeping spaces.
  • Reforms to the private rented sector to ensure it provides secure, good quality accommodation at an affordable price for all.
  • The building, protecting and increased sustainability of suitable social housing.

The new government has made a start on some of these, but it’s important not to look at them in isolation. They are far from quick-wins or simple sound-bites. The reasons why people become homeless are many and are often extremely complex.

Health, social care, economic landscapes, national and local policy decisions and many other factors play a part and it’s only by decision makers working alongside charities like Caritas, and other organisations who are experts in their field, can true, lasting change happen and be delivered for the benefit of everyone.

In October it will be World Homeless Day and in the coming weeks, as we approach that awareness day, we’ll be sharing lots of ways you can get involved in supporting our work alongside people experiencing homelessness.

Lady in red tshirt which says volunteer on the front in black writing is smiling at camera. She is standing behind a silver food service counter with a plate of food on top

From volunteering to help our services to sharing our news and signposting people that might need help; making a donation or encouraging your workplace to support our charity; to sponsoring a room or holding your own Big Sleep Out, there are lots of ways you can get involved. We also have a range of information and resources for you to access to help you support and signpost people at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness in your community.

person in dark red big sleep out branded woollen hat and black padded coat smiling

Our vision is for an equal and just society, where the voices of those experiencing poverty, disadvantage and/or discrimination are heard, valued and acted upon. Our mission is to protect and promote human dignity for all.

But to drive real change, we need your help.

Will you please stop, reflect and think about what many young people and adults experiencing homelessness are facing every day?

Thank you.

Skip to content