1,000 Beds for Christmas; Greater Manchester, lets give the gift of hope
No one should have to face a night on the streets, especially during Christmas. That's why we're bringing back our winter campaign to help fund 1,000 nights of accommodation in our flagship scheme, A Bed Every Night.
A Bed Every Night was launched in 2018 by our patron and Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. This pioneering scheme offers emergency accommodation to anyone sleeping rough in our city-region, regardless of their status. For just £30 you can sponsor a night of shelter, food, and full wrap-around support for someone who would otherwise face a night on the streets.
For those at the sharpest edge of the housing crisis, people without a home face the impossible decision of where to sleep for the night. But in Greater Manchester, there is hope.
Since July 2020, A Bed Every Night has given nearly 6,000 people a warm and safe place to sleep. It has been instrumental in reducing rough sleeping in the region since its peak in 2017. And, investment into the scheme meant that though nationally, rough sleeping increased by 26% in 2022, numbers only rose by 9% in Greater Manchester.
But, as the cost of living continues to rise, and with a housing market in crisis, there is still much more to be done.
For many, the situation can feel desperate.
Last year, A Bed Every Night accommodated 2,910 people. That's 2,910 fewer people who were forced to endure a night on the streets.
On average, there are around 600 people accommodated on any one night in A Bed Every Night. But as the weather grows harsher, the demand for emergency accommodation is set to rise. Your support can make a significant impact this Christmas, giving warmth to people who otherwise face the bitter cold and rain of the streets.
“As the cold winter nights approach it is vital that we can offer a bed to anyone sleeping rough that needs one. And with the cost-of-living crisis set to continue, more people could find themselves facing incredible difficulty to make ends meet. That means the safety net that A Bed Every Night gives, with its wraparound support to everyone who needs it, is as important as it ever has been.
The impact A Bed Every Night has had is remarkable, and so much of that is down to the generosity and spirit of the people of Greater Manchester. If you can, please help us fund 1,000 beds this Christmas, and help the most vulnerable this winter get back on their feet. With the public’s support we can offer a crucial place of safety to all who need it.”
We are very pleased to welcome back Together who, for the second year running, are generously matching the first £20,000 of donations. Their support means your donation can have double the impact. For every £30 donated, this will be doubled to cover two nights of emergency accommodation.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for those who do not have a safe place to call home. A Bed Every Night is such a worthwhile initiative, helping those who face exclusion from existing services.
Supporting at the heart of the community is embedded in everything we do here. I am proud that Together is match funding this campaign for a second year and working with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity in its mission to end the need for rough sleeping and tackle homelessness in Greater Manchester.”
This Christmas, give the most meaningful of gifts, a warm and safe place for someone to sleep.
“No one should be without a home. No one should suffer a night on the streets. A Bed Every Night is the glimmer of hope and the pathway to stability for people in what can feel like truly impossible circumstances.
We are proud to continue our support of this flagship scheme, and so grateful to the people and businesses of Greater Manchester who make that support possible.
With the incredible generosity of Together, your donations can go far. Please dig deep this Christmas, it changes lives.”