We’re a family from Iraq and sleeping in a tent in Stockport town centre – we need help as it's not safe here
Members of a family living in a tent on the street in Stockport town centre say they are in a desperate situation and struggling to cope.
Mohammed, 50, said he came to the UK last year from Iraq with wife, 48, and son, 18. For the last 10 days they have been sleeping rough.
Two tents have been set up outside the offices of social housing provider Stockport Homes. Mohammed’s family is one, while another was being used by someone else.
Stockport Homes said it has been supporting those outside its offices and made offers of accommodation. Mohammed said his family are still stuck on the streets.
“We need help, it’s not safe here,” he said. “I’ve been here for ten days, my wife is sick, we can’t stay like this.
The family was offered accommodation by Stockport Homes, but they turned it down because it was outside the borough with a different housing provider.
Moving out of Stockport could see the family sent to an unfamiliar area and having to deal with a stay in temporary accommodation.
There are major housing shortages in Stockport, where thousands of people are bidding for limited numbers of social homes.
This has made it almost impossible to find a suitable home in the borough for Mohammed and his family at short notice.
Other options have been discussed with those sleeping in the tents – including house shares and multiple appointments set up to discuss the different options available.
Concerns are also growing around homelessness in Stockport, with the council saying last summer that it expected to spend up to £1m on hotel accommodation, a figure up from £180,000 in 2022.
A Stockport Homes spokesperson said no one should have to sleep rough in the borough.
They added: “We know that seeing people sleeping in tents in the town centre is upsetting – and for those in that situation, it’s even more distressing. It’s something we take extremely seriously.
“There are huge pressures on the housing system, but help is available – and we’re here to make sure it reaches those who need it most.
“Our teams have already offered accommodation options to those on Edward Street, alongside personalised support, and advice.
“One person has accepted, while two have chosen not to take up the options presented. We’ll continue working with them to find solutions that meet their needs.”
Mohammed and his family currently remain on the streets while trying to find a place to live.