Migrant Destitution Fund GM
COVID-19 does not distinguish between citizens and non-citizens. It hits the most vulnerable in our society hardest, and destitute migrants with nowhere to live, no right to work and no ability to get state support are in a hugely precarious situation right now.
Many groups are calling on the Government to urgently lift these restrictions which exclude destitute migrants from any government support – but the fact is the Hostile Environment is still in operation, and your help is much needed.
The Greater Manchester Migrant Destitution Fund supports destitute migrants who are not entitled to work or to access state benefits. The fund was due to relaunch in June, but in light of the current crisis, the fund is reopening immediately.
The fund was initially open between January 2018 and April 2019, during which time it supported over 100 people with more than 200 individual monthly grants of £80. Even this small amount of cash was able to help people cover essential needs like fresh food, toiletries, transport to get available accommodation and support, or phone credit to keep in touch with lawyers resolving their legal situation.
The Migrant Destitution Fund is wholly voluntary run, so all donations go directly to people who are in need. If you can help, please donate what you can now or sign up to give monthly at: Migrant Destitution Fund GM (To give monthly please click on one of the suggested donation amounts and select the ‘make it a monthly donation’ box on the next page)
Lutfor’s Story
“In 2016 I was evicted from my asylum accommodation. I was homeless for a month – living on the street, not knowing any friends who could share a place to sleep. I had no money, food or knowledge about support. Fortunately the weather was no so chilly.
I was in desperate need of food, shelter, and credit to talk to my lawyer and charities providing support. I had to walk everywhere to find any update. It gives me goosebumps thinking about that time.
The Fund helped me during the worst time, giving me space to submit a new asylum application. On the fourth time, it was accepted. Now I can work and get housing. I’m giving my time back to the Fund to help others have the same opportunity”
Andy’s Story
“Things became a lot harder with coronavirus, because normally I would go to charities to eat. But now this isn’t available, so I have no way of getting food. It’s having a negative effect on my wellbeing, I’ve got nowhere to turn to, no food. It’s scary, because you need to eat a balanced diet – especially because of the virus, you need to stay healthy.
With the destitution fund, it gives you the option of buying some food, it’s positive, makes you happier – it brightens your day to go and buy some fresh food…
It’s life, isn’t it? You’ve gotta make the best of the situation… and we have to be thankful that we have a life, that we’re healthy”
To make a one-time or regular monthly donation:
Migrant Destitution Fund GM
Please include ‘Migrant Destitution Fund’ in the message so we can make sure the funds go to the right place.
Thanks as ever, for your time and your continued support.