There are so many kind & generous people in the city that want to do something to help people they see on the streets, but it can be really hard to know what is needed.
Homelessness is a complex issue, and beyond asking individuals what they need, it’s not as obvious as it might seem how to give effectively and make a difference.
Food and coats are often covered by existing projects, but other things like underwear, toiletries and gloves can be in short supply. What’s needed changes over time, depending on where the focus is and the time of year. There’s also organisations that are under resourced and would value support with providing meals, for example in hostels.
You can find a specific list of what is currently needed locally on the Help section of Street Support. This list is regularly updated by charities and grassroots groups with specific items, and skills/time that they need. You can also Volunteer so that when organisations need someone with your skills they know how to get in touch.
There are also items that are generally welcomed by various organisations around the city. Here are a few of those lists…
Coffee4Craig need more gloves, thermals, boxers, socks, waterproofs, towels, toiletries and heated insoles & hand warmers. Please drop off donations at Project 34, 32-34 Weaste Rd, Salford. M5 5FW or email office@coffee4craig.co.uk.
This Chorlton based outreach project currently need gloves. Drop off point is Elliott’s Greengrocers, Chorlton Precinct, Chorlton.
Lifeshare take donations at their offices including specific food items, specific clothing, toiletries, kitchenwear, sleeping bags and blankets. Please check this list and drop off details if you would like to donate.
Boaz trust have a range of alternative gifts to enable them to help more destitute asylum seekers and refugees. You can also help them to restock their free shop.
The winter night shelters opened this week and will run for the next 6 months. Aswell as needing many volunteers they also need donations toward beds. If you or your employer could fund a bed, this will make a huge difference to someone.
The Booth Centre christmas appeal helps homeless people move off the streets, find new homes and get back into work.
You can drop off specific food items and goods at a Mustard Tree branch during their opening hours. You can find out what food they currently need here, or download a list of essential food items here. They also take good quality clothing, bedding, household items and small pieces of furniture – see the list of good needed here.
For an up to date list of what is most needed in Manchester, visit the Street Support Help page. You can also make a donation to Big Change which goes directly to fund items for people moving away from the streets.
If you want to help but can’t find anything on this list you can do, or you have other ideas and have questions, you can contact us through Facebook, Twitter, or by email. (We have a tiny team so we can’t always respond straight away, but we will do our best.)
If you know of any other organisations that currently need items and would like us to include them in this article, please let us know.
Find out what is NEEDED at streetsupport.net/give-help.
#EndHomelessnessMCR