Ten years ago Becky and I were volunteering for a group that went out five nights a week, feeding and clothing anyone that was sitting out on the streets. We’d serve food to the same people month after month and we soon realised that not all the people we were feeding were homeless. There is seven-day indoor provision in Manchester, where people can get a hot meal, showers and access to support.
We started attending meetings and listening to other Manchester-based organisations, charities and statutory services which have been supporting rough sleepers for many years. We realised that it wasn’t food that was needed, but more support. This means helping people access services that can improve their situation. We started Reach Out to the Community in May 2016.
Three years on, RoC is now doing regular outreach with Manchester City Council’s Rough Sleepers Team and Change, Grow, Live. This means we can help people into hostels and access information about rough sleepers and the support they may need. Working alongside other organisations ensures the best outcome for those we work with. RoC supports the individual and provides a wrap-around service to support them.
I love what the RoC team has accomplished so far. Being able to help people move away from the streets is what we’re all aiming for, and it’s only by working together that we can do this.
Why do I do it? Because homelessness is something personal to me. When Becky and I had our greengrocers business in Chorlton we were in the fortune position of being able to help. Now I love seeing the people who have been really hard to engage with learning to trust us and going indoors.
Steph 💚