Hard Times

Should anyone be sleeping rough in 21st century Britain?
As this scene of a store doorway on Manchester's Market Street shows there is still a very real problem on our streets. My image shows a dog lay between three destitute figures, the dog's dish is being used for donations.
The Manchester Evening News reported in August 2012 that homelessness had risen by almost 10 per cent in Greater Manchester. More than 2,000 people in the region sleep rough, live in shelters, or are on the cusp of being evicted.
Despite council and charity efforts there are still too many individuals who will tonight face braving the cold and lay their heads on hard concrete with only a blanket and sleeping bag for protection.