RAPAR's response to MCC's statement on providing accommodation for street homeless people

Following our press release at the end of 2025 (31st Dec. 2025: City Council must offer shelter for street homeless people now), and our long-standing campaigning to secure rights and safety for street homeless people in Manchester, we are sharing the news that Manchester City Council (MCC) announced on the 11th March this year that they are opening up a disused office block in South Manchester to provide new temporary accommodation for more than 50 homeless families. 

The statement issued by MCC says that, 'The new accommodation will see families supported by an accommodation team based on site to help them move on as quickly as possible into permanent settled tenancies.' 

Earlier in March 2026, ITV Granada featured RAPAR's work with street homeless people, many of whom are in the UK seeking refuge. This piece included an interview with RAPAR's founder, Dr Rhetta Moran, who underscored the global turmoil that forces people to flee and seek asylum elsewhere, the UK's hostile environment's dangerous and divisive rhetoric around immigration, and the fundamental need for and right to suitable housing for everyone. 

RAPAR welcomes MCC's initiative and its capacity to reduce street homelessness for vulnerable people and families. Critically, MCC promises to move people to secure, appropriate and permanent accommodation as soon as possible, fulfilling its statutory duty. 

​We call for more disused properties to be repurposed for temporary shelter for Manchester's street homeless population and we hope for MCC's continued commitment to finding permanent housing for those in need.