As temperatures drop, a Manchester group increases support for the homeless, providing food and shelter to those in need
Manchester: A community group is really stepping up to help the homeless as the temperatures take a nosedive. They’re out there six nights a week, handing out food, drinks, and sleeping bags to those sleeping rough.
Ronny English, the founder, says the situation is “absolutely terrible,” especially with the freezing weather making things worse. The city council is also pitching in, offering warm indoor spaces for anyone who needs it.
Ronny and his team are working hard to feed as many homeless folks as they can find during this cold snap. The council has ramped up its support too, providing extra emergency accommodation and outreach services around the clock.
Ronny, who hails from Salford, mentioned that they’ve even added three extra outreach sessions each night to their usual five. It’s a tough time, and he knows that people can die from the cold if they don’t have proper gear.
Kathryn Wright, a volunteer who once faced homelessness herself, shared how horrible it is to sleep rough. She was helped by the Booth Centre and the Don’t Walk Past group, which inspired her to give back.
Glenn, a 51-year-old who is currently homeless, said he’s just trying to find shelter wherever he can. He doesn’t mind the snow, but the rain is a real pain, especially when it’s cold and you can’t dry off.
According to the council, they’re working hard with other organizations in the city’s Homeless Partnership to tackle this issue. While the number of people sleeping rough is stable, they agree that even one person on the streets is too many.
