Macc recently managed the latest Spirit of Manchester Fund round of grants which focused on organisations that support people with the cost of living crisis. We will be sharing stories in August to show the impact of these grants and the wide range of projects that they supported. Today, we have the story from Barnabus:
"Barnabus support people who are rough sleeping, experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Our support team, support centre and resettlement tenancy project provide support to empower people to move off the streets and out of homelessness into a home. Sadly, we see a lot of hopelessness when people first come to see us and this cost of living crisis is tragically bringing many new people to us for help.
During a period of just six weeks in April and May this year, we helped 352 people. The year before, in the same time, we saw 229 people so that is a 55% increase. We also supported 98 people we have never seen before; this time last year, that number was 53 so almost double. It is a tragic picture of how rising costs of living, spiralling rent, and mortgage costs have created a human cost of the devastating effects of homelessness.
When someone comes in to us after sleeping rough, the first thing we do is offer food, clothing and showers. Only then can they begin to feel refreshed enough to connect with a support worker so that we can begin to help them in their journey back into a home. We also see people who are struggling financially and at risk of losing their homes who need help with food parcels. We have given out 1000s of meals and 100s of food parcels in the last few months. Our latest figures show a 40% increase.
We are so thankful for the Spirit of Manchester grant and for all the support we receive so that together, we can give hope to people who are struggling with homelessness. THANK YOU www.barnabus-manchester.org.uk
This is Jake's story (his name has been changed). Jake was made redundant and he had only been in that job for over a year so he did not qualify for redundancy. He and his partner Kim were trying to make ends meet but during this time, the landlord kept putting their rent up. All their bills increased and food was getting more and more expensive. There was an issue with the flat as it had a leak and was getting damp so Jake and his partner tried to argue their case with the landlord. Within a week, they were served with a Section 21 eviction notice. They had no way to appeal and were forced to leave their home. Kim’s mum put them both up while they looked for another place to live. Sadly, all this money pressure and lack of a home of their own led to their relationship breaking up. Jake became very depressed and he did not have the confidence to apply for a job. He stayed with a friend for a while sofa surfing but when this dried up, Jake came to us for help. Thankfully, Jake now has a home on our Resettlement Tenancy Scheme. It's early days but he has settled in well and we can already see a huge change in his confidence and renewed hope for the future."
