What’s the best way to help someone who is homeless?

We always recommend registering with your local authority who has a duty to help you under the Homeless Reduction Act 2018. Alternatively you can visit a charity like Barnabus for an assessment to find out what options are open to you. You can also ring the Manchester City Council's team on 0161 234 4992.

If you are trying to help someone who is street homeless, we recommend downloading the Street Support App to find them somewhere to go. Taking time for a chat and perhaps offering a coffee or a bottle of water is appreciated.

Latest

Starting From Scratch

Stanley has been accessing Barnabus’ services at our Beacon support centre since September 2024. Prior to this, he had experienced six years of rough sleeping in Manchester, with only intermittent periods of sofa surfing between friends and family. His homelessness began following a relationship breakdown and over time he developed a significant dependency on alcohol, which further impacted his physical health and stability.
Double Your Impact - This Week Only

This week you can double your support for people experiencing homelessness. Help us raise £20,000 to fund our frontline services for people trying to escape life on the streets.
A journey from uncertainty to stability

We first met Lily and Peter several years ago after they were granted refugee status. While this was a major step forward, it also brought sudden instability. As they were no longer eligible to remain in Home Office accommodation, they quickly found themselves facing homelessness, unsure where they would sleep from one night to the next.
The Big Manc Sleepout

Could you give up your usual comforts for just one night? Join us for Manchester's biggest home sleep out! On Friday 17th July, come together with people from across Manchester for The Big Manc Sleep Out and raise vital funds for people experiencing homelessness.

Volunteer with us

Our wonderful volunteers are the heart of what we do and without them, we couldn’t do the work we do to get people housed. We have volunteers from all over Greater Manchester, as well as Cheshire and Lancashire, all age groups and all walks of life.
CLOTHING. FOOD. TOILETRIES. FOUNDATIONS FOR A NEW LIFE

Please support our work with donations of the items we are short of but need to run our services everyday. You can also support us through ordering urgently needed items online to be delivered to our door.
I'M HOMELESS AND I NEED HELP

Barnabus helps adults who are homeless – whether you’re living on the streets, in temporary accommodation or at risk of homelessness. If you have a family with dependents under the age of 18 or are under 18 yourself, we recommend that you contact your local authority immediately.
Homelessness in Manchester

If you’ve walked the streets of Manchester, you’ve almost certainly passed by a rough sleeper. In fact, you’ve probably noticed that there are more people living and sleeping out on the streets. In 2010, the official rough sleeper figure was 7. In 2018, it was 94. Unfortunately, we know that in reality, the number is much higher. Please read on to find out more about homelessness in our city.
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We currently have the following vacancies
Dragon Boat Race, Sale Water Park, Saturday 12th September 2026

Join our Barnabus team at Sale Water Park for another fantastic sponsored Dragon Boat race across the dock. Have fun and at the same time help people on their journey from the streets and into a home for good.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT A BED IT’S ABOUT OPENING A DOOR

At Barnabus, we believe that everyone deserves a better tomorrow. We know the journey off the streets isn’t easy, but we’ll stand by your side every step of the way. See how Stephen found new hope and a new life through Barnabus and God’s love.
GETTING OFF THE STREETS TAKES MANY STEPS. WE’LL BE THERE FOR EVERY ONE OF THEM.

We host a range of social, creative and skill-based afternoon activities to improve self-confidence and wellbeing. They’re all held at our Beacon Support Centre.
Great Manchester Run, 31st May 2026

We love this supporting our sponsored runners at this event. Set your self the personal goal of taking part in one of Europe's biggest 10km races and raising funds to change the lives of people without a home and we will do all we can to support you.
How we're helping

The stress and anxiety people can suffer when they are homeless means they often feel afraid to reach out and taking that small step towards getting help can seem like a mammoth task. That’s why our team is there to help from the start, giving tailored support and advice every single step of the way.