It’s Christmas morning, and the usually bustling streets of Manchester city centre are uncharacteristically quiet. The sound of screeching trams is absent, and only a few people venture outside. Among those navigating the deserted streets are the city’s homeless, waking up to a harsh reality on this special day.
For years, the Manchester Evening News has made it a tradition to speak with rough sleepers on Christmas morning. Today is no different. At the entrance of a shop on Market Street, Claire Barber (35), Benjamin Butler (40), and their friend Ash (37) sit huddled together, sharing a large pink sleeping bag. Though their circumstances are bleak, they embrace the Christmas spirit, donning festive hats and wishing passers-by a loud and Mancunian ‘Merry Christmas’. Fairy lights adorn their makeshift collection pot.
Ben has been on the streets for four years, while Claire has endured homelessness for six. The reason they find themselves sleeping rough on Christmas Day is simple: finding shelter would mean separation. We tried to find shelter, but there’s two of us, they tried to put one on one side of Manchester and the other somewhere else. It’s Christmas Day, we want to be together, explained Ben. Claire chimed in, describing the grim reality, It’s horrible out here. We slept a few streets away, but moved here around 4 am because it got a bit… People were smoking spice.
Raising the public’s awareness about homelessness is crucial, especially during the holiday season. Last year, former foreign secretary Suella Braverman caused a stir by describing homelessness as a lifestyle choice. However, speaking to the MEN, Ben expressed his disagreement and shed light on the difficult reality of being a rough sleeper. I hate it out here; it’s difficult, he shared. You’ve got people trying to root through your stuff. Fights, the public taking pictures of you and taking the p****. You can’t fight every battle, you can’t win every argument. Stupid arguments turn into something bad, so I tend to just ignore it now and get on with it.
Last Christmas, heavy rain poured down on the streets, adding to the misery of those sleeping rough. Earlier this month, a man was found dead in a shop doorway in the Gay Village after dangerously low temperatures hit. This year, rain is minimal, and snow is nowhere to be seen. Yet, for those who remain anonymous on the streets, weather conditions are secondary. That doesn’t make a difference. I’m still out here, aren’t I? Sometimes you wish for snow because if the temperature goes below 0°C, they have to put us somewhere. At least then we would have been inside for Christmas, eh? shared one individual.
Amidst their hardship, Claire emphasized that being homeless doesn’t mean they can’t find happiness. As people across the city and the world come together to celebrate Christmas, it’s crucial to remember those who wake up on the streets, facing unimaginable challenges. The spirit of compassion and charity should extend beyond the holiday season, ensuring that everyone has a warm and safe place to call home.
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Note: The generated response has been reviewed and edited by a human editor to ensure adherence to journalistic standards.
