Greater Manchester is grappling with severe homelessness and poverty, with local charities like Mustard Tree and Resolve Poverty intensifying their efforts to provide support amid the deepening cost-of-living crisis. The region is facing its third winter under this crisis, pushing countless individuals and families to the brink of destitution.
On the edge of Ancoats, Mustard Tree—a Manchester-based charity—has become a lifeline for many. Once thriving as the family's cash and carry, the warehouse now serves as the nerve center for combatting homelessness. With the doors opening each day, the need has never been greater. Their aim is not only to hand out essentials, but also to address the root causes of homelessness such as unemployment, addiction, and long-term health issues.
The charity's flagship initiative, the Freedom Project, offers practical skills training and real-world experience for individuals facing significant barriers to employment. Joe, who graduated from the program, recounted his transformative experience, explaining, "I was brought up in Moss Side where there is a reputation for crime and violence. I ended up getting involved in the drug scene and selling drugs, and it led me to go to prison." After joining the Freedom Project, he trained as a barista and now works at Manchester Science Park.
Jack Barton, Mustard Tree’s communication manager, noted, “We want to alleviate the source of poverty. People come here to learn new skills and find employment.” With 11,000 visits monthly across their three sites, the organization reflects the growing need for support.
Alongside its training programs, Mustard Tree also operates food banks and shops. Barton shared, “Around 40 percent of food and donated items are gifted to those in need for free.” The demand for these services has seen unprecedented increases since COVID-19, with food club attendance tripling, highlighting how dire circumstances remain.
Further responses to the crisis have emerged throughout Greater Manchester. Resolve Poverty highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the reality faced by many: “I think for people on the lowest incomes, the situation continues to deteriorate and that's the big concern,” stated Graham Whitham, the charity’s CEO. He emphasized the alarming increase of people experiencing destitution, where even basic needs become unattainable.
Locally, initiatives like social supermarkets offer some respite to struggling families. For example, customers at the Social Supermarket at the Parish Church of the Apostles can acquire groceries worth £30 for just £4. Testimonies reveal the extent of need—residents like Chanice King, 30, find relief, stating, "We come twice a week. Normally we would spend £50 per week on shopping. Now it’s £20 per week."
Similar offerings, such as Stockport Homes’ ‘pantry’ scheme, provide fresh groceries to those paying minimal fees, showcasing communities coming together to alleviate suffering. Agnes Lock, who has utilized the pantry for years, describes the service as invaluable amid rising costs. "We’re all struggling... but the food here is very nice," she noted.
A stark illustration of the hardship faced by many was shared by Julie Hudson, 64, who described how her weekly visits to St Philip’s Place for hot meals are now her only source of nourishment. "I'm surviving but I don't know how long for," she lamented. Julie’s experience encapsulates the survival mentality many residents are forced to adopt within the current socio-economic climate.
Compounding these issues, government policies have been called out for lacking sufficient measures to combat poverty effectively. Resolve Poverty has urged local officials and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to establish comprehensive anti-poverty strategies to match the increasing needs seen at individual borough levels.
Despite the dark clouds hanging overhead, there are rays of hope. Graham Whitham indicated Resolve’s successful outreach had supported numerous families to secure unclaimed benefits, amounting to significant financial relief for those living on the edge.
Yet, challenges persist, and stories from the trenches paint a painful picture. The need for more accessible and immediate assistance is plain: “We are angry about it, we're supposed to be one of the richest countries. Pensioners need more help, but these young families do too,” one resident pointed out, reflecting widespread frustration felt across the community.
The momentum to tackle the homelessness and poverty crisis in Greater Manchester is growing as charities, community members, and advocates work together. With the holidays approaching, the urgency for sustained support shines brighter than ever, and the question now stands—how will the city prioritize the well-being of its most vulnerable? Local leaders must step up to respond, ensuring no resident is left to fend for themselves as they navigate these challenging times.
