Andy woke up on Christmas morning huddled in a shop front in Piccadilly. He did the same thing last year, and the year before. He knows it is Christmas Day, but to him, it doesn't mean much.
For much of the last decade, the Manchester Evening News has spent Christmas morning speaking to the people waking up on our streets. While many of us are fortunate enough to spend the day in a warm home with loved ones, some in our city face a grimmer reality.
Andy told us that today feels like any other - except that there are no shops open. "It doesn't really bother me that it's Christmas," he said. "I won't do much today.
"I've been on the streets for a few years now. I'm just trying to find a shop that's open".
On a day where many like Andy will struggle to find food and warmth, Shannah and Hashim, both 25, are lending a helping hand. Setting up shop in Piccadilly Gardens, the couple spent their Christmas morning giving out free hot drinks and biscuits to the homeless.
"This is the bare minimum that we can give," Shannah told the M.E.N. "If you are in a position to be able to give something as simple as a hot drink, why wouldn't you?"
The pair have a heartbreaking story behind their kindness. Hashim's younger brother, who was a rough sleeper, died just months ago. To raise money and understand the experience, Hashim himself spent the night in the Ancoats Urban Exchange car park last night. He described it as 'awful'.
"I felt defenceless. I only got about two hours sleep," he said. "I was just worried the whole time. But at least tonight I know I'll go back to a warm bed. Not everyone has that.
"Christmas is the time of year where people get together with family, often buying expensive stuff. I'm doing it a bit differently this year. We're giving back."
On Market Street we meet another couple, sheltering from the pounding rain underneath the Arndale roof. They say they slept on Deansgate, and are trying to put together enough money for a room in a hotel for tonight.
As we speak, they are greeted by a woman from St Joseph's Church in Stockport. She invites them to a hot meal being served in town, to which she tells us 'everyone is welcome'. It's a reminder of the kindness and generosity in our region - but it shouldn't be needed.
Homelessness is still sadly a fixture of life across Greater Manchester. The people we spoke to this morning are only a few of many who will not have a home this Christmas.
There are plenty of amazing charities and people doing incredible work to help those sleeping on our streets. Walking around town today, we saw many who had given up their own Christmas morning to help others. One homeless man told us that when he can, he wants to spend his life helping other people put their lives back together. "I've got a plan," he said. "I want to help other people who might be going through the same thing. I've worked really hard on it."
But there is still work to be done. Tonight, Andy will sleep on the streets again.
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