The Ark Manchester is a self-built street homeless shelter - the only emergency shelter for all in Manchester.

It was created by the homeless with public support and provides a safe and caring refuge -- protecting the city's most vulnerable and unprotected from violence, danger and abuse.

It was set up on Oxford Road, underneath the Mancunian Way overpass -- on a patch of unused pavement which the city's homeless have occupied for years. It was built by the strength of a young homeless lad, from nothing -- and with continuing contributions of materials, tents, bedding, food, labour and love shelters up to 12 people. It's also a growing community of inspiration and support.

As it struggles to provide sanctuary from the escalating crisis and desperation of homelessness, The Ark is facing continued and aggressive persecution by Manchester City Council.

Please start affirming humanity - and let The Ark remain.

Direct petition to Richard Leese (Leader of Manchester City Council) - please urgently sign and share ♥

https://www.change.org/p/richard-leese-save-manchester-s-only-homeless-shelter-the-ark



17 August: Council officials with Greater Manchester Police threaten prison for inhabitants if The Ark isn't torn down.

27 August: Court papers issued. Charging the two individuals who evolved The Ark (one homeless, one a Manchester City Council tax-paying resident) with breaching the injunction (3 Aug) -- which forbids occupying tents to protest against Manchester City Council's homeless policies. They're facing a prison sentence of up to 2 years and/or £5,000 fine.

28 August: Manchester Metropolitan University joins Manchester City Council to bring legal proceedings against The Ark. Papers arrive ordering everyone to leave and take our possessions away, with a verbal threat if everyone isn't gone by 5pm the police would be down to do the job. This was an empty threat.

2 September: A bailiff leaves possession orders from Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester City Council -- orders to destroy The Ark -- and evict the street homeless back to a life of unending threat, vulnerability and attack -- a life which will probably end with dying in a doorway or back alley alone.

7 September: Court date. Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester City Council vs. "Ryan Mcphee" "Jenny Wu" and Persons Unknown (possession / eviction from homes)

30 September: Court date. Manchester City Council vs. 7 named defendants including "Jenny Wu" and "Ryan Mcphee" and Persons Unknown (breach of injunction with potential prison sentence and/or fine)

At least eight people have prematurely died in Manchester this year from Manchester City Council's homeless policies -- including Jay Hartley, who was released from hospital with pneumonia and froze to death on the streets two days later. R.I.P. ♥

fb: The Ark Manchester

For more info about the court proceedings -- endhomelessnessmcr.blogspot.co.uk / fb: End Homelessness Mcr / twitter: @homelessmcr / endhomelessnessmcr@gmail.com

Video of Council officials and police at The Ark Manchester 17 August -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_1ernCA4Nw

♥