Come rain or shine - they keep people fed- now they need more help

A diverse community group which has braved all weather conditions to ensure people facing food insecurity are fed is now seeking additional volunteers and donations.

Billa Ahmed, co-founder of Homeless Aid, which first started 15 years ago with a group of friends and 10 years under the current name, said that the number of people without food and drink has doubled since it first launched.  

Homeless Aid is currently running soup kitchens in Tommyfield Market car park in Oldham every Thursdays from 7pm-8pm, and other areas in Bolton, Leigh, Wigan, Bury and Manchester.  

He said: “The number of people coming to us in Oldham has gone up. Nothing has changed. We have over 70 people attending each week, and these are individuals who are struggling financially, in temporary accommodation or even homeless.  

“This shows that the cost-of-living crisis is real. People are only a pay cheque away from becoming homeless. 

“We are a community group, not a charity, made up of friends who are working flat out seven days a week to ensure no one goes hungry and we are looking for more volunteers to join us in Oldham and would like more snack donations. 

“We are a diverse group, and we do not judge anybody. All we want to do is put a smile on someone’s face.” 

While many enjoyed Christmas Day with family and friends, Homeless Aid was out in Oldham and Bolton to offer food to people struggling - supplied by local restaurant Gourmet to ensure no one went hungry.

The team was also joined by Oldham Rugby League Football Club who helped to distribute the food donations.

Anyone who wishes to kindly donate food, drinks or snacks to Homeless Aid can do so by emailing info@homelessaid.co.uk or by calling 0800 124 4641.