Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity launches appeal to support homelessness

The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity has granted an emergency £100,000 to the city-region’s homelessness charitable sector.

It is also calling on big business and individuals to donate funds to support voluntary, community and social enterprises during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tim Heatley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said: “The Mayor’s Charity fundraises all year round and is focused on reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness, and in particular rough sleeping.

“We’ve already made an emergency contribution of £100,000 – this is a recognition of the pressure on budgets and the immediate need for support. The funding will be vital in enabling the hard work of those on the frontline assisting and safeguarding the homeless community throughout Greater Manchester during this pandemic. But we can do so much more."

The drop-off point for businesses to donate supplies - 40 Swan Street, Manchester Credit: Capital & Centric

The charity is asking businesses to donate bulk supplies of:

  • Food packages – i.e. Dry food such as cereals, microwaveable meals, tea/coffee, sugar, fruits

  • Welfare packages – i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, flannels, shampoo, shower gel, sanitary products, deodorant

  • Hygiene packages – i.e. Hand sanitiser, hand wash, soaps, wet wipes, tissues

  • Food preparation equipment – i.e. Microwaves, hot plates

  • Cutlery and crockery – i.e. knives, forks, bowls, plates, cups and mugs

  • Transportation – for delivery of food and welfare packages

  • Essential IT equipment – i.e. smartphones, laptops

  • Solo activities – i.e. games, consoles, notebooks, pens

The charity hopes to end rough sleeping all together. Credit: PA

Following the Mayor's announcement to house 1000 people in hotels as part of a multi-million pound support package, donations will form the basis of packages of goods to be delivered to those homeless people living in hotel accommodation.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, added: “I welcome this appeal from the Mayor’s Charity, an enterprise I support by regularly giving 15% of my salary each month. The Charity recognises the severity of the situation the homeless community are facing at this time, and the need for urgent financial support for those groups and people dedicated to helping."

For more information on how you can get involved you can visit: gmmayorscharity.co.uk.