Next Saturday the second March For The Homeless takes place, starting at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester at noon and then marching through the city centre to the Homeless Camps which sprang up after the last event in April.
Leading the march will be Salford's Tommie Rose the so-called `tuck shop entrepreneur' and Kyle Wells, `friend to the stars', who will be spending his 25th birthday at the protest.
"I'm quite honoured to do it" says Kyle, who was supposed to lead the first march but got the chance to go on the trip of a lifetime to America, via The Dream Factory "I was flying out to New York on the day so I was really glad when I heard that there was another one.
"I want to show my support for all the people struggling out there" he adds "They need as many voices as they can get because the Government and Council certainly aren't saying anything. The Government should be looking after people better. They are allowing it to happen but obviously don't want the protests to happen..."
Indeed, the Camps have already had to move from the original site at Albert Square, to St Peter's Square and are now at St Ann's Square and Castlefield with Manchester City Council this week again trying to get court evictions to remove them from the city centre (adjourned until 21st July).
The protest continue because the City Council has not improved its housing and homeless assessment policies and no Homeless Camp members have been offered guaranteed accommodation for more than 28 days.
Saturday's march is against targeted austerity cuts on homelessness and mental health support in Greater Manchester; against homelessness, the treatment of homeless people, and evictions. It also calls for better social and affordable housing, clean and safe hostels in Manchester, better treatment and resources for people with addictions, better mental health services and better support for those leaving the care system.
Even though Kyle - who spends his time between Eccles and respite at Francis House in Didsbury - is not homeless, his heart is with those fighting against a system that doesn't look after the most vulnerable citizens.
"I've seen the Camp, have been hoping to get down there and haven't managed it yet - but I'll be there next Saturday" he says "They chose me to lead the march, I think, because they wanted someone who would keep it peaceful and I'm hoping it all goes smoothly. People are in it for the right reasons, because they care..."
March For The Homeless
Saturday 11th July 12noon
Piccadilly Gardens
For further details see the Facebook page #MarchForTheHomeless Manchester Part 2
For further details of the camps see Facebook group Homeless Rights of Justice Mcr
Main photo: Kyle Wells
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