StreetSmart, the initiative that brings Manchester’s hospitality industry together each year to raise funds for those facing homelessness, is returning this November. There are 13 fantastic restaurants in Manchester taking part already and StreetSmart are urging even more restaurants to sign up and help tackle homelessness this Christmas.
The scheme works by participating restaurants adding £1 to every bill they deliver over November and December, with all money raised by the campaign going directly to local homeless organisations. Through this simple act of adding the voluntary £1 to diners’ bills during the festive period, Greater Manchester restaurants will make a big difference to local charitable projects that support those facing homelessness, living on the streets and in unsuitable accommodation.
The funds raised by StreetSmart here in Greater Manchester will go towards the critical work of organisations including Centrepoint Manchester and Akt. All of these homegrown charities and initiatives aim to provide a bed and personal support for anyone who is sleeping rough or is at imminent risk of homelessness.
All the charities that StreetSmart will fund are focused on helping individuals break the cycle, regain their dignity and rebuild their lives via positive action, as well as providing crisis and emergency shelter and food during the current cost of living crisis. In previous years, StreetSmart has seen an incredible £34,000 raised by Manchester restaurants and with so many pressures on homeless charities right now (with demand sadly soaring over the last 12 months) the StreetSmart team are keen to make this a record breaking year.
Glenn Pougnet, Director of StreetSmart said: “Many of us want to help the vulnerable people in our community during the festive period, and StreetSmart provides an easy way to do this. The figures from last year show how even £1 added to a bill can make a huge difference. We’re grateful to see so many local restaurants stepping forward to help our city’s homeless.
“It’s amazing to witness the kindness that our community has to offer, and see the tangible impact of our efforts and funding in the community. This year, we’re proud to be taking another step towards the eradication of homelessness, and look forward to seeing even more restaurants getting involved over the Christmas period.”
The full list of Manchester restaurants signed up to StreetSmart 2024 to aid homelessness so far:
- Climat, Manchester City Centre
- Tampopo: Albert Square, Manchester City Centre.
- Tampopo: Corn Exchange, Manchester City Centre.
- Banyan, Corn Exchange
- Banyan, Spinningfields
- Manahatta, Deansgate
- BOX, Deansgate
- Bottega by San Carlo at Selfridges, Exchange Square
- 20 Stories, Spinningfields
- Street Urchin, Ancoats, Manchester City Centre
- The Lead Station, Chorlton
- Tariff and Dale, Northern Quarter
- Stretford Canteen, Stretford
- Mana, Ancoats, Manchester City Centre.
- Restaurant Orme, Urmston
StreetSmart was established in 1998 and since then they have raised over £10.3 million for the homeless. Over 50 homelessness charities now benefit each year, with funds supporting services such as the creation of beds, housing, mental health advice and job support.