who we support
The fund is open to anyone forced into destitution because of their immigration status. Denied access to any kind of safety net, and, in many cases, not allowed to work, these are some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Pathways into destitution include:
> Being refused asylum amidst the Home Office’s ‘culture of disbelief’ – although people may later go on to be recognised as refugees
> Falling out of status, for example because of exorbitant visa fees
> EEA nationals living in the UK lawfully may have been unable to regularise their status after Brexit
> Being granted leave to remain with the 'no recourse to public funds' condition, meaning that if people are unable to work they are pushed into destitution
Many are street homeless. Most are hidden homeless – perhaps moving between acquaintances; perhaps staying long-term on a friend’s sofa; perhaps sleeping on a shop floor.
Some are elderly.
Some have young children.
Many will have experienced significant trauma.
Many more will be exposed to further abuse by their destitution.
All are individual human beings, and deserve to live with dignity.
"The Fund helped me during the worst time, giving me space to submit a new asylum application."
who we are
The fund is run jointly by Macc, the voluntary and community sector organisation for Manchester, and volunteers in the Migration and Destitution Action Group (MDAG).
Macc hosts the fund and employs the MDF Partnership Lead.
MDAG, which formed under the Manchester Homelessness Partnership in 2017, comprises workers from frontline organisations and people with lived experience of destitution. MDAG volunteers are involved in all aspects of the fund’s operation, as well as setting its strategic direction.
Our work is supported through a mix of grant funding and public donations.
Our efficient structure, as well as the dedication of our volunteer team, means that overhead costs are low – so 100% of our public donations can go direct to people who need them.