Hollyoaks stars Jorgie Porter and Kieron Richardson are among the famous faces joining the fight against homelessness.
The soap stars, along with former Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, are set to join in with the city’s first Sleep Walk for Shelter.
They are hoping to encourage others to sign up to the 10k event next month, which aims to bring Mancunians together for a night time walk through each city to support the 78 families that become homeless every day.
According to the latest government figures, in the last year a household becomes homeless every four minutes in England.
Kieron said: “Homelessness is a huge problem in Manchester and events like Sleep Walk help to raise vital funds to support the adults and children who are experiencing homelessness or bad housing.
“I can’t wait to see the people of Manchester come together in December to take steps with me against homelessness and show their support to those who need it most this winter.”
Other names who are taking part in the walk, which is also happening in London, are Spice Girl Melanie C, Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts, and Lioness footballer Fara Williams MBE.
Starting near Manchester Central library, Sleep Walk for Shelter will see walkers pass through the sights of Manchester including Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Cathedral and Minshull Street Crown Court.
At the end point participants will be treated to post walk entertainment and festive refreshments.
Homelessness is continuing to rise in England, with the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation in England having increased by more than 4,000 since last year.
The findings also suggest that a new generation of young people and families are being hit by the housing emergency, with 56,440 people aged 16-24 becoming homeless or being threatened with homelessness in the last year.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “The housing emergency is only getting worse, and we are seeing more and more families pushed into homelessness. The miserable reality for many includes living in grim emergency accommodation with their children, and for some it means being forced to sleep on the street.
“Our services and advice are more in demand than ever, and with the public’s support we can provide families with the help they need to get to a better place.”
Sleep Walk Manchester is taking place on Wednesday 11th December. Registration costs £15 per person and each participant is asked to fundraise at least £80. To sign up or for more information, visit shelter.org.uk/sleepwalkmanc .
