In June next year, Mustard Tree will have been operating as a charity for 30 years. From Furniture to the Freedom Project, the organisation has taken many forms, but there is one story that should be told before any other - how Mustard Tree was founded.
30 years ago today, Dave and his wife Shona took part in a Soup Run on the streets of Chinatown, an act of kindness that served as a starting point, and a vision to support tens of thousands of people across Greater Manchester over the next three decades.
Listen to Dave’s story at the top of the page.
In other news
Over the weekend we joined local residents from Miles Platting, along with Greater Together Manchester, CLASS and others, to help rally around a joint campaign called ‘Social Homes for Manchester Now’.
“We are a coalition of community associations, charities, think tanks, academics and social justice organisations focused on accelerating the number of social homes that are created in Manchester by 2030 - and ensuring this is done in an environmentally sustainable way”.
The coalition is calling on Manchester City Council to commit to enacting six key proposals in conjunction with the new ‘Local Plan’ to ensure a long-term commitment to addressing the housing crisis:
At least 30% social homes included in all new developments of over 10 units to be enacted in local policy
Stronger public Accountability and scrutiny for the setting and enforcement of developer obligations to build new social housing
Establish a Commission on Social Housing for the City of Manchester
Create specific policy for the promotion of Community Led Housing
Develop a practical strategy for the renovation/transfer of empty homes into homes for social rent
Ensure all new developments are climate and nature friendly
Sign up to the ‘Social Homes for Manchester’ mailing list by emailing socialhomes4mcr@gmail.com and writing ‘sign me up’ in the subject line.
Random Objects of Kindness - Joe
If you didn’t get the chance to visit the Heard Storytelling exhibition at the Arndale, don’t worry! You can still listen to the stories online, including the below piece from our Freedom Trainee Joe.
A pivotal moment at Moss Side’s Pepperhill pub is the start of Joe’s remarkable journey from a chaotic life of crime and despair to one of resilience and purpose.
Random Objects of Kindness was commissioned by Manchester Arndale and created by Heard Storytelling, in support of organisations like Mustard Tree and Real Change MCR. Its aim is to increase understanding of the different factors contributing to homelessness and to support the importance of community support.
Join our Movement
Our monthly giving campaign is gaining momentum, but this is still just the beginning. With over 10,000 people a month now coming through our doors, we need your support more than ever.
To those who have already joined our campaign or give to us monthly - THANK YOU! Please help us get the word out by sharing this newsletter with family, friends, colleagues and community members.
Your kind donations are vital for us to continue our work and are much appreciated by us all.
Special Episode: Where It All Began