Alright, listen up folks! We’ve got an important topic on our hands: homelessness in Manchester. It’s no secret that in recent years, the number of people facing this harsh reality has skyrocketed, leaving us all concerned and scratching our heads.

Homelessness is a significant problem in Manchester. The high number of homeless deaths, rising rough sleeping rates, and increasing demand for shelter highlight the urgent need for action. 

This article aims to delve into the facts about homelessness in Manchester, explore the reasons behind its prevalence, and provide a final verdict on whether homelessness is indeed a problem in this city!

Facts about Homelessness in Manchester

As of the data released in Shelter’s Homelessness in England report, which was accurate as of June 30, 2022, the North West region, including Manchester, had over 14,600 homeless individuals. 

Considering that the total population of the UK was approximately 271,000, this means that Manchester accounted for around 5.39% of the country’s total homeless population.

To gain a better understanding of the issue at hand, it is crucial to examine the key facts about homelessness in Manchester.

Manchester has the highest number of deaths of homeless people

It’s really disheartening to hear that at least 130 people lost their lives while experiencing homelessness in Manchester last year. 

It’s a grim reminder of the urgent need to tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide comprehensive support to those in need. These figures make it crystal clear that this is not just a problem we can sweep under the rug.

I mean, when you think about it, Manchester has already been dealing with a disproportionately high number of homeless deaths compared to other cities in England and Wales. 

Back in 2017, there were 21 deaths recorded, which was more than in Birmingham and Liverpool. And now, with the numbers rising to 33 in Greater Manchester last year, it’s pretty alarming.

This situation calls for immediate action from both the local and national authorities. We can’t just keep relying on emergency accommodation as a temporary fix. We need to dig deeper and address the underlying issues that push people into homelessness in the first place. 

Economic challenges, the lack of affordable housing, budget cuts to social services, mental health struggles, and substance abuse problems are all factors that need serious attention.

It’s not just about putting a roof over someone’s head; it’s about providing them with the support and resources they need to get back on their feet. We’re talking about accessible healthcare, mental health services, skills training, and stable employment opportunities. 

1 in 74 people in Manchester are homeless

Get ready for a jaw-dropping fact: in Manchester, one out of every 74 people is homeless. Yeah, you heard me right. It’s a major problem that we simply can’t ignore anymore.

Shelter, the housing charity, recently released their Homelessness in England report, and let me tell you, the numbers are grim. As of June 2022, the North West region alone had over 14,600 homeless individuals, including a heartbreaking 6,720 children. 

And guess what? Manchester had the highest homelessness rate in the region. That’s not a title you want to be proud of.

But here’s the thing, my friend. The definition of homelessness used by Shelter is pretty broad. It includes people sleeping rough, living in temporary accommodations, and even those who found shelter with the help of the council. 

However, the real numbers are likely much higher. There are countless hidden cases like sofa surfing that often go unreported. It’s a sad reality we’re facing.

When we compare Manchester to other local authorities in the North West, it’s clear that we’re in a dire situation. Manchester, Salford, and Oldham top the charts when it comes to homelessness rates. 

While the national average is around 1 in 208 people, in Manchester, it’s a shocking 1 in 74. That’s a serious problem staring us in the face.

Despite the commendable efforts of Manchester City Council and other local authorities, the numbers just keep climbing. It’s frustrating, I know, but we can’t give up. We need to take action, and we need to do it fast.

Councillor Joanna Midgley, the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, has spoken out about their relentless efforts to tackle this crisis. 

They’re working tirelessly, joining forces with partner organisations to provide assistance and support to those at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing it.

Rough sleeping in Manchester increases 26% across Manchester in a year

Rough sleeping in Manchester took a serious leap, my friend! Despite all the big talk from the mayor and the city council, the street count went up by a staggering 34% in just one year. We’re talking an increase from 94 to 123 people snoozing on the streets. 

And get this, out of those counted, 95 were dudes, 23 were ladies, and we had 5 folks whose gender was a mystery. Talk about a gender reveal party gone wrong! 

But seriously, the number of female rough sleepers shot up by a whopping 64%, and the young ones (aged 18-25) hitting the streets skyrocketed by a mind-boggling 140%. 

Experts are shaking their heads, though, because they believe these counts fall way short of capturing the real problem. They estimate there are at least 500 regular rough sleepers in our region. 

So yeah, the campaigns and schemes are trying, but we still have a mountain to climb. The good folks at Shelter are shouting for three million new social homes to solve this crisis. 

Across England, the number of rough sleepers dropped a teensy 2% in 2018, but hang on, it’s still a whopping 165% higher than a decade ago. Looks like we need more affordable housing and a serious policy review, my friends. 

Manchester B&Bs see triple the number of destitute families in 5 years

Brace yourselves for this mind-boggling revelation: the number of destitute families living in the city’s bed and breakfasts has tripled in just five years! 

Our beloved Manchester is facing a hidden homelessness crisis that’s growing faster than our supply of affordable housing can handle.

It’s a tough reality for hundreds of parents who find themselves living in guest houses with their kids, as the council struggles to keep up with the overwhelming demand for help. 

To make matters worse, due to the lack of affordable homes in the city, many homeless individuals and families are being moved to places like Moston and Harpurhey, while some are even housed outside of Manchester altogether. Talk about a tough situation!

The main culprit behind this surge in homelessness? Private sector evictions, largely driven by benefits cuts. It’s a double whammy that’s leaving many struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Recent updates to be presented to the councillors next week paint a grim picture. Between 2013 and 2018, the number of homeless families placed in B&Bs soared from 372 to a staggering 1,045. 

That’s a threefold increase! Even single homeless individuals are facing the same dire situation.The council admits that B&Bs are not suitable for families, but finding any form of affordable temporary accommodation is becoming increasingly difficult. 

And the private rented sector continues to be the primary cause of homelessness in Manchester, surpassing even domestic violence. 

This crisis is putting immense pressure on our housing resources, resulting in hundreds of people being uprooted from the city in search of shelter. 

Why is homelessness present in Manchester? 

To understand the underlying causes of homelessness in Manchester, it is crucial to examine the factors contributing to its prevalence.

The rents are continuously rising

You know what’s been raining on people’s parades in Manchester? Rising rents. Yep, they’re like the storm clouds gathering over the housing market. Over the past decade, rent prices in this city have been going up, up, and away. 

It’s like they took a jetpack to the sky, leaving affordable housing in their dust.

Neighbouring Salford isn’t spared from this rent madness either. Rents there have soared by a mind-boggling 26% between 2014/15 and 2020/2021. Meanwhile, Manchester itself had a 23% increase in median rent during that time. 

With rents reaching for the stars, it’s no wonder people are struggling to find a place they can actually afford. It’s like trying to find a unicorn in a pet store – it’s just not happening. 

And guess what? More and more folks are ending up in temporary accommodation because of it. The struggle is real.

If we want to bring some sunshine back to the housing scene and tackle homelessness in Manchester, we need to do something about these rising rents. It’s time for some superhero-level policies and initiatives to swoop in and save the day. 

There is a lack in affordable and social housing

You know what’s really messing with Manchester’s housing situation? The lack of affordable and social housing. It’s like trying to find a unicorn on a crowded city street—almost impossible. 

The city is facing a serious shortage of housing options that regular folks can actually afford. It’s no wonder homelessness is on the rise.

Now, here’s the funny part. Manchester actually has more social housing compared to other areas in Greater Manchester and even major UK cities. You’d think that would help, right? But nope, demand still outstrips supply.

Before the pandemic hit, there were about 15,000 people waiting for social homes. And guess what? The waiting list is still pretty darn long.

With social housing in short supply, many folks who are homeless or at risk end up relying on temporary accommodation provided by the council. But that’s not a long-term solution, and it’s clear we need more affordable and social housing options in the mix.

There is entrenched deprivation

Man, it’s crazy how this never-ending cycle of disadvantage just keeps pushing people towards homelessness. It’s like they can never catch a break! 

The city is dealing with some seriously deep-rooted socio-economic challenges that make it ridiculously hard for folks to break free from poverty.

I mean, in so many areas of Manchester, access to quality education, healthcare, and decent job opportunities is seriously limited. It’s like they’re constantly playing catch-up, and let’s be real, winning that game is tough when the odds are stacked against you.

And you know what’s even worse? These inequalities fuel the risk of homelessness, especially for those who are already struggling to make ends meet. It’s like a vicious cycle that just keeps on going.

When you take a look at the homelessness crisis, it’s clear how much impact this entrenched deprivation has. It hits the most vulnerable and marginalised people the hardest. 

They’re basically stuck in a system that doesn’t offer much support or many opportunities to escape poverty. It’s a tough situation, no doubt about it.

Housing benefits are frozen

You won’t believe the housing benefit freeze situation in Manchester! It’s like an icy blast right to the wallets of struggling individuals and families. 

This policy has really put a squeeze on the financial help available for housing, and it’s taking a toll on the homelessness situation. Picture this: rental costs are going up, but housing benefits? 

They’re frozen. Yeah, you heard it right. It’s like trying to ride a rollercoaster without any money in your pocket. People relying on housing benefits are left with this huge gap between what they get and what they need to pay. 

This freeze has hit those on lower incomes the hardest. They’re the ones most vulnerable to losing their homes when they can’t afford the rising rents. It’s like trying to balance on a tightrope with a gust of wind pushing you off.

Relationship strains and family instability drive up the factors

Let’s dive into the tangled web of relationship strains and family mayhem when it comes to homelessness in Manchester. It’s like a soap opera unfolding in real life, but with much higher stakes. 

When relationships hit the rocks and families face turbulent times, the fallout often lands them without a roof over their heads.

Picture this: couples going through messy breakups, family drama that could rival a reality TV show, and all the chaos that comes with it. It’s a recipe for housing disaster, as people find themselves scrambling to find new places to live.

But it’s not just about romantic turmoil—family instability plays its part too. Financial woes, substance abuse issues, and mental health challenges can wreak havoc on a family’s living situation.

It’s like walking a tightrope without a safety net, making it nearly impossible to regain stability.

There’s gentrification and changes in the neighbourhood

Alright, let’s chat about the whole gentrification scene in Manchester and how it’s shaking up neighbourhoods like a giant kaleidoscope. Fancy coffee shops, sleek apartments, and bougie boutiques popping up left and right. 

It’s like the city is getting a makeover, Kardashian-style.

But here’s the catch: as the cool kids move in, rents go haywire. Suddenly, your cosy little flat is worth a kidney, and you’re left scratching your head, wondering where you’re gonna afford to live. It’s like playing Monopoly but without the “get out of jail free” card.

And let’s not forget the character of the neighbourhoods. The local pub you’ve been going to since your awkward teenage years? Well, now it’s a swanky wine bar with a dress code. 

Supportive services are lacking

Alright, let’s talk about the missing puzzle piece in Manchester’s battle against homelessness: supportive services. You know, those lifelines that can make a world of difference when life throws you a curveball.

The sad truth is, many folks experiencing homelessness in Manchester don’t have access to the support they desperately need. It’s like trying to swim across the English Channel without a life jacket. Not a great idea.

We’re talking about limited mental health services, addiction treatment programs that are harder to find than a needle in a haystack, and specialised help for groups like veterans or young adults leaving foster care. 

Without these crucial services, people facing tough times can end up slipping through the cracks and landing on the streets. Imagine losing your job, going through a rough breakup, or dealing with health problems, and having nowhere to turn for help. 

It’s like being stuck in quicksand, sinking deeper into homelessness.

But here’s the deal: if we want to make a real impact, we need to invest in and expand these supportive services. 

We’re talking about beefing up mental health support, expanding addiction treatment programs, and providing specialised assistance to those who need it most.

Our Final Thoughts on Homelessness in Manchester

Alright, folks, let’s talk straight about homelessness in Manchester. It’s a real problem, no doubt about it. We’ve got homeless deaths, a high ratio of homeless folks compared to the general population, more people rough sleeping, and families seeking shelter.

Now, why is this happening? 

Well, it’s a mix of things. We’ve got economic challenges, a serious lack of affordable housing, budget cuts impacting social services, mental health and substance abuse issues, strained relationships, limited support services, and a lack of education and skills training. Phew, that’s a lot!

To tackle this beast, we need everyone on board. The government, nonprofits, community members—we all have a role to play.

We’ve gotta provide affordable housing options, pump more funding into support programs, mental health services, and addiction treatment, strengthen our support networks, and make education and skills training more accessible.

It won’t be easy, but hey, nothing worthwhile ever is. If we work together, we can chip away at homelessness and create a city where everyone has a place to call home.