Reporters

We are a network of community reporters based in Greater Manchester with experience of unfit housing and/or homelessness, sharing our own stories, insights and experiences, as well as that of others in our communities. We hope this project will inspire support and influence change in Greater Manchester so that our communities have the safe standard of housing they deserve. Some of us have chosen to remain anonymous.

David

My name is David.. I am a volunteer for Shelter...my life has been adventure, ups and downs, but that's ok..my goal in life is to be at peace with myself and that may mean happiness, I have learnt to ask for help..that is the key ❤️

Debbie

51 years old, I've spent probably half of my life on and off as what would be called homeless. Includes periods on the streets, hostels, periods in temporary accommodation. I was one of the first in Manchester on the ABEN (A Bed Every Night) scheme. I spent two years living on a friend's sofa. And then from there, I actually went into a rehab. And because you don't have a tenancy agreement - it's just a contract, a behavioural contract - you are classed as homeless there. Thanks to that, I sorted my drug and alcohol problems out. Then got into volunteering with Shelter, and now I’m a Grow Trainee.

Jan

I believe if we help each other without expecting any benefits then we will have a better life. Every life should have a second chance to change. I was given the gift of having a second chance that's why I want to hear about other people's lives and support them. That's why I volunteer with Shelter, to give people a second chance at life. It's not just about getting housed, its about getting opportunities to have your voice heard.

Karl

Pottsy

This is me, Pottsy. I started work at 14 and am a qualified cobbler, locksmith, shoe repairer, key cutter🔑, alterations, I can cook, clean, I've done chef 👨‍🍳 work at the Rainforest Cafe that used to be in the Trafford Centre, I can build, bricklay, plaster, woodwork, gardening, I've worked alongside Probation services, I've also been on probation too. I've been to prison, I've also set up groups to help those in prison or being released from prison and to help their struggling families too. I've also worked alongside Shelter and many other organisations, I've also setup many projects and organisations or at least been a part of it in some way or another, Whilst running my own project "Saving People Shelter Project" I've manned the phones 📱 📲 ☎️ 24/7 365 days a year which I still do to this very day, trying to help those in need that our own local authority have and are failing, I've cooked for 20 vulnerable adults that were residents at the shelters I and my friends created out of nothingness.