Homelessness described as a “vicious cycle” across Manchester
Contrary to the findings of Manchester City Council, one homelessness charity says more needs to be done
Homelessness charities describe situation across Manchester as a “vicious cycle” despite council’s positive report.
Local organisations have said more needs to be done to tackle homelessness, as cases are ‘definitely not down’ in their experience, contrary to the findings of the Council.
New figures from Manchester City Council found homelessness in the area to have “improved significantly” with the number of people living in temporary accommodation and sleeping on the streets both falling.
The report showed that overall numbers in temporary accommodation have dropped by over 400 households since its peak at the end of last year, alongside a decrease of almost 40% in the rough sleep count.
Also detailed by Manchester City Council were the actions put in place to bring about these changes, including a large number of properties leased by the Council to provide temporary accommodation, changes to the prioritisation of waiting lists and an increased emphasis on preventative measures.
However, one homelessness charity in Manchester say they have not witnessed these improvements, believing cases may have in fact increased.
David Evans is the founder of Salford-based charity Two Brews: “With what we see on a nightly-basis, the figures are increasing not decreasing.”
Originally set up to provide support over the Christmas period, when other organisations don’t operate, Two Brews became a permanent operation after witnessing the demand: "The situation seems to have gotten worse, year on year…especially with the cost-of-living crisis. They don’t eat or if they eat, they don’t pay the rent…it’s just a vicious cycle.”
David acknowledges there is support made available by the council, but believes it isn’t advertised clearly enough: “They have to come to people like us to find out where the support is.”
The report released by the Council recognises that there is still work to be done, with Deputy Council Leader Joanna Midgley saying: “These figures are encouraging evidence that our homelessness transformation programme is beginning to bear fruits and help make a positive difference in people’s lives.
They are not, of course, a cause for jubilation. We are clear that the number of people who are homeless is still too high.”