THE story of Paul, a homeless man in his late fifties, aims to open people’s eyes and make them realise what is actually important in life.
Christmas has officially arrived in Manchester, as the entire city has been transformed into a winter wonderland.
However, have you ever wondered what a homeless person would like to receive as a Christmas present?
This is the message from Paul who has been living on the streets of down town Manchester for almost a year, Paul differentiates himself from other people and what he asks for Christmas is a decent life.
He said: “I will spend Christmas as I do every single day since last Christmas. Just sleeping on the streets, and people like yourself come and help me out.
“If it wouldn’t be people like you, I reckon I’d be dead. Really. I don’t think I will be alive this year. About that much happened to me this year.”
Paul was stabbed twice this year, was hit on the head, and kicked down, because he is a “homeless and vulnerable man.”
Therefore, what Paul asked for Christmas is “a key to a front door,” so he can start his life again.
He explained: “What can change my life this Christmas is a key to a front door. Someone give me the key to a front door, where I can go, open the door, walk in, put the telly on, watch the news, sit down, and make a cup of tea.
“That can be my life. I don’t understand when people dream a big life. They always say, I’d love a million dollars, I’d love to have this, I’d love to have that. What I love are keys to a front door.”
Shelter, a housing and homelessness charity since 1966, has responded to over four million requests of people who have been struggling with bad housing or homelessness over this year.
A spokesperson from Shelter gives advice of how homeless people can find food, warmth, company, and help with finding a place to stay.
They said: “Day centres is a place that a homeless person can go during the day. They can be found in the centre of Manchester.
“Day centres can provide practical help, such as cheap hot food, clean clothes, showers and toiletries, and washing machines and tumble driers.”
Shelter’s spokesperson also emphasised that: “If a homeless person has been on the streets for some time, a day centre can support him with moving into his own accommodation, as well as to provide him support with any drug or alcohol problems.”
In case homeless people will not be able to get any support from a day centre, then Shelter advise “it is really important to look after their health and to visit on a regular basis the nearest walk-in NHS centre or any other health centres that are just for homeless people.”
The spokesperson added: “If a homeless person has to sleep rough, and will not manage to find a hostel, night shelter or cold weather shelter in his area, it is advisable to sleep where other people are sleeping, and use a cardboard or matting to keep off the ground.
“It is really crucial for them to keep safe and warm.”
By Zenia Mamaletou
