Manchester

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Homelessness Support

Resources and support available for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Manchester.

Sections

1. Categories of Homelessness Support

Homelessness support in Manchester is broadly categorized into the following areas:

  • Emergency Accommodation: Immediate shelter for those who are sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough.
  • Temporary Accommodation: Short-term housing solutions while long-term arrangements are made.
  • Long-Term Housing Support: Assistance in securing permanent housing.
  • Specialized Support Services: Help for specific groups, such as young people, families, women fleeing domestic violence, and individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues.
  • Prevention Services: Support to prevent individuals from becoming homeless, such as financial advice or mediation services.

2. Available Services

Manchester has a robust network of organizations, charities, and government services that provide homelessness support. Below are the key services available:

A. Manchester City Council Homelessness Service

  • What They Offer:
    • Emergency housing for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
    • Assessment of housing needs and eligibility for support.
    • Referrals to temporary accommodation or supported housing.
  • How to Access:
    • Contact the councilโ€™s Homelessness Advice and Assessment Service at 0161 234 4692 (available 24/7 for emergencies).
    • Visit the Manchester Housing Options Service at the Town Hall Extension, Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5DB.
    • Complete an online housing assessment form on the Manchester City Council website.
  • Cost: Free for those eligible for support.

B. A Bed Every Night (ABEN)

  • What They Offer:
    • A Greater Manchester-wide initiative providing emergency accommodation, food, and support for rough sleepers.
    • Open to anyone in need, regardless of immigration status.
  • How to Access:
    • Referrals are made through local outreach teams or by contacting Manchester City Council.
    • Self-referrals can also be made by visiting local ABEN shelters.
  • Cost: Free.

C. Shelter Manchester

  • What They Offer:
    • Legal advice and advocacy for housing issues.
    • Support for those facing eviction or struggling with rent arrears.
    • Guidance on accessing benefits and housing rights.
  • How to Access:
    • Call Shelterโ€™s helpline at 0808 800 4444.
    • Visit their Manchester office at 5 Samuel Ogden Street, Manchester, M1 7AX.
  • Cost: Free.

D. The Booth Centre

  • What They Offer:
    • Day services for homeless individuals, including meals, showers, and laundry facilities.
    • Employment and skills training to help people move towards independence.
    • Support with accessing housing and benefits.
  • How to Access:
    • Drop in at Edward Holt House, Pimblett Street, Manchester, M3 1FU.
    • Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Cost: Free.

E. Mustard Tree

  • What They Offer:
    • Support for individuals at risk of homelessness, including food banks, clothing, and furniture.
    • Training programs and employment support.
    • Assistance with finding affordable housing.
  • How to Access:
    • Visit their Ancoats hub at 110 Oldham Road, Manchester, M4 6AG.
    • Call 0161 850 2282 for more information.
  • Cost: Free or low-cost, depending on the service.

F. Women-Specific Services

  • What They Offer:
    • Charities like Womenโ€™s Aid and Manchester Womenโ€™s Aid provide safe housing and support for women fleeing domestic violence.
    • Specialized counseling and legal advice.
  • How to Access:
    • Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247.
    • Contact Manchester Womenโ€™s Aid directly at 0161 660 7999.
  • Cost: Free.

G. Young Peopleโ€™s Services

  • What They Offer:
    • Charities like Centrepoint and The YPSF (Young Peopleโ€™s Support Foundation) provide housing and support for individuals aged 16-25.
    • Help with education, employment, and life skills.
  • How to Access:
    • Contact Centrepoint at 0808 800 0661.
    • Visit YPSF at 52 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE.
  • Cost: Free.

3. Costs

Most homelessness support services in Manchester are free of charge, particularly for those in urgent need. However, some services, such as supported housing or long-term accommodation, may require contributions based on income or benefits. For example:

  • Temporary Accommodation: Costs may be covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit if you are eligible.
  • Supported Housing: May require a small weekly contribution for utilities or services.

4. Procedures to Access Support

To access homelessness support in Manchester, follow these steps:

  1. Contact Manchester City Council:
    • If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact the council immediately. They will assess your situation and determine your eligibility for support.
  2. Provide Documentation:
    • Be prepared to provide identification, proof of income, and details about your housing situation.
  3. Engage with Outreach Teams:
    • If you are sleeping rough, outreach teams can help connect you to emergency accommodation and services.
  4. Seek Advice from Charities:
    • Organizations like Shelter and the Booth Centre can provide additional support and advocacy.
  5. Apply for Benefits:
    • If eligible, apply for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help cover housing costs.

5. Local Considerations

  • Immigration Status: Some services, particularly those provided by the council, may have restrictions based on immigration status. However, charities like ABEN and Shelter offer support regardless of status.
  • Weather Preparedness: Manchesterโ€™s cold and wet winters can be particularly challenging for rough sleepers. Emergency shelters often increase capacity during the winter months.
  • Community Support: Manchester has a strong network of community groups and faith-based organizations that provide additional support, such as food banks and clothing drives.
  • Mental Health and Addiction Services: Many homelessness services in Manchester are integrated with mental health and addiction support, recognizing the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.

6. Key Contacts

  • Manchester City Council Homelessness Service: 0161 234 4692
  • Shelter Helpline: 0808 800 4444
  • A Bed Every Night (ABEN): Contact via local council or outreach teams.
  • The Booth Centre: 0161 835 2499
  • Mustard Tree: 0161 850 2282
  • Womenโ€™s Aid: 0808 2000 247
  • Centrepoint (Young People): 0808 800 0661

By utilizing these services and following the outlined procedures, individuals experiencing homelessness in Manchester can access the support they need to stabilize their situation and work towards long-term housing solutions.