Homeless support group in urgent need of donations following bank holiday break-in

Frontline charities and local authorities working with homeless people are asking individuals and businesses to dig a little deeper after an emergency supplies depot set up to store goods donated by local businesses was broken into over the bank holiday weekend.

The emergency depot in New Cross, which was set up at the start of the outbreak by Capital & Centric and Kamani Property, has been supporting those in lockdown without a home, friends or family during the Covid-19 crisis.

It has received over 40,000 product donations and support from regional businesses like Vimto, Warburtons, and The Hut Group, as well as members of the public.

Thousands of these donations were stolen from the depot, which supplies a network of charities including The Manna House, Barnabus, the Booth Centre, Mustard Tree, Back on Track, Greater Together Manchester, Cornerstones,  MASH, the Mens Room, Back on Track, Red Door, The Wellspring and many more.

“All of us are facing unexpected challenges in the wake of the coronavirus crisis,” said Dee Lowry, warehouse coordinator at GMHAN.

“However, for the thousands of people across Greater Manchester who are without a home, the struggle to survive is more serious than ever before.

“We’ve been working closely with people in the community, as well as frontline organisations to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of people who are homeless. As part of this vital work, we’ve received an overwhelming demand for the essential items included on our Live Needs List.

“We have been making great progress with the initiative, but the break-in has set us back immensely, and the demand is bigger than ever and only expected to grow due to the economic consequences of Covid19.

“We’re hoping that the people of Greater Manchester will come together to support people who are homeless through this difficult time.”

Urgently needed items include:

• PPE supplies (face masks, gloves etc.)
• Non-perishable food (e.g. tins, dried pasta, sugar, coffee/tea)
• Large quantity of take out containers and disposable cutlery
• Solo activities for adults and children (books, jigsaws, puzzles, colouring pads and pens)
• Mobile phones and chargers
• Ready meals
• Laundry powder
• Gluten-free and vegetarian food
• Hygiene packs, including; wet wipes, hand sanitizers (60% alcohol if possible), individual packs of tissues, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels, shampoo, shower gel, sanitary products, deodorant, hand wash, toilet roll

Not only are the frontline charities in desperate need of new and second-hand items, they also welcome monetary donations and voluntary support.

Anyone interested in making a donation should email [email protected]

Over to you, Manchester.