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Life on the margins - 6,300 without a home in
the North West
A shocking new report reveals that
6,300 people are homeless in the North West. For the very 1st time, housing
charity Shelter has revealed the true scale of homelessness in the area by
analysing a combination of the most up to date government statistics, freedom of
information requests, and other published homelessness data.
To mark Shelter's founding 50 years ago today, the research is inspired by the
charity's original- 'Green Book' the report that launched the charity in 1966
and exposed the grim reality of life for homeless families at the time. Sadly,
the modern day study also paints a bleak and desperate picture of a 21st Century
housing crisis affecting families across the nation.
The new Green Book also identified the North West's top 20 'homelessness
hotspots' where people are most likely to lose the battle to stay in their
homes. Manchester topped the list with 1 in 266 people living without a home.
This was followed by Salford (1 in 765), Trafford (1 in 1156) and Rochdale (1 in
1369).
Shelter Manchester Hub manager, John Ryan, said:- "Shelter's founding
shone a light on hidden homelessness in the 60s slums. But while those troubled
times have faded into memory, 50 years on a modern day housing crisis is
tightening its grip on our country.
Thousands of people in the North West will face the trauma of waking up homeless
this Christmas. Decades in the making, this is the tragic result of a nation
struggling under the weight of sky high rents, a lack of affordable homes, and
cuts to welfare support. We all face the consequences when so many grow up
without a place to call home. It breaks up communities and wreaks havoc on
family life. For the sake of future generations we must pull together to end
this crisis, and refuse to rest until every child has a place to call home."
Shelter's co-founder Des Wilson said:- "It would be pleasing if Shelter
were able to take time to celebrate its 50th year, but as this report shows, it
is too aware of what still has to be done. I hope the country will respond to
its urgent rallying call with the same combination of anger and compassion with
which it supported our work all those years ago."
To support Shelter's urgent Christmas appeal and help homeless families please
visit:-
Shelter.Org.UK or text 'SHELTER' to 70555
to donate £3. |
