Helping the Homeless

As an non profit organisation established and based in Lancashire, HNCO knows all-too-well how hard winter weather hits the region. As such, in 2019 the team prepared 100 bags of thermal socks, hat, scarves and gloves, plus emergency foil blankets to hand out in Manchester, at one of its weekly homeless feeds. The following spring, prior to the first official lockdown, which started on 16th March 2020. There was much confusion surrounding Coronavirus across the world.

Why we should be Helping the Homeless people? Homelessness is an epidemic in the UK, and the North West is no exception. Where we once would only see rough sleepers in city centres such as Manchester and Liverpool. we now see them on the streets of Burnley, Blackburn, Rochdale and Oldham. HNCO volunteers assist with regular homeless feeds across the North West. The project began not long after the organisation was first established, when HNCO initially asked if they could donate some supplies to another non profit organisation.But the volunteers soon decided they wanted to help in a more regular capacity and pledged to head to Manchester regularly to help out. Seeing the great response the Manchester feeds were having with the homeless community. HNCO also began to assist with another community group in Burnley. And has organised hygiene packs and a barber/beard trimming service to supplement the hot food and snack pack allocation. During Ramadan, the team sets up its stall every night for the entire month, every year, even when many of the volunteers observe fasting.

For the homeless and vulnerable of Manchester, for whom access to clean water to wash their hands is a luxury. A safe place to stay is almost non-existent and even up-to-date news and information is often out of reach. HNCO knew it had to do something to help. An emergency appeal was created on Go Fund Me, advice leaflets on how to try and protect themselves from the virus and limit the spread, plus soap, hand wipes, tissues and water were put into packs and handed out at Piccadilly Gardens. Throughout the pandemic, the team continued to venture into the city center to hand out hot food, snacks, and drinks.In the simple words HNCO always want to Helping the Homeless poor people.

Knowing that they get a hot meal and some other food to take away even just once a week is a life line for men and women living on the streets; served up with some care and kindness that is so seldom offered to them throughout the week. The ‘turnout’ can be anywhere from 30 to more than 100. In terms of age groups, although the service users are usually 18 and above. Some younger men and women visit on occasion. It’s not just for the homeless. However, there are no questions asked. It is not for us to judge why someone would come and use the service. For those that have a roof over their head but not enough funds to pay for fuel to cook. Or if they are lonely and just want a nice chat over a cup of tea. We welcome everyone.

Donating to HNCO’s Helping the Homeless means that not only will food and clothing be prioritised (which cannot be guaranteed if you hand beggar money in the street). And get straight into the hands of those that need it most. But that the homeless man or woman will establish a point of contact with the organisation. And understand that someone is looking after them and looking out for them.