Mayor ready to share out £50k homeless fund
FUNDING from the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s new homelessness appeal is now available to charities and organisations.
Andy Burnham, who pledged to end roughsleeping by 2020 in his election manifesto, launched the fund on his first day in office by adding 15 per cent of his own salary into the pot and it now tops £50,000.
Mr Burnham said 27 housing providers from across Greater Manchester have made generous pledges and encouraged applications for funds to be submitted.
Money is available for community and voluntary organisations, or any group established to help the homeless.
Mr Burnham has also called for volunteers to get involved and pledge their time to help. He wants to hear from people who own buildings that could help deliver support to the homeless or those with food, bedding or any other goods to donate.
Mr Burnham said: “People across Greater Manchester have shown the world how strong and amazing we are in the past few weeks with millions of pounds raised for the emergency fund following the terror attack.
“But, in amongst that, we haven’t forgotten our homeless people and in particular the rough-sleepers on our streets.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity but also the strength of feeling that we won’t forget about these people no matter what else we face.
“We will support them to get their lives back on track and together we are united in that.”
The fund has been designed to work with established organisations to provide money for projects designed to make a difference to people living on the streets.
It will not compete with existing charities or organisations.
Mr Burnham added: “There are complimentary charities and funds that provide money to individuals who need support. I am looking to compliment these funds and everyone who is part of the effort to eradicate the problem.
“I’m hoping we will have applications and be ready to award funds in the next few weeks.”
The fund become a will soon community interest company (CIC) and awards will be managed through a board of trustees led by the mayor and supported by a team including Bury South MP Ivan Lewis and people with experience of homelessness.
To find out more or make an application visit www. greatermanchester-ca.gov. uk/homeless-fund-applications or email GMHomelessFund@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.