Two homeless men faced a freezing setback when they were turned away from a Holiday Inn in Manchester, despite having a paid booking. With the temperature dipping to -6°C, Amanda Thompson from outreach group Two Brews booked rooms using donations and personal funds to give the men respite from the bitter cold. The booking included breakfast and a £50 damage deposit.
Upon arrival, the men were told by a staff member that their booking couldn’t be honoured. The employee mentioned it was not a personal decision but company policy, stating, “I know you’re from the street, and the hotel doesn’t allow it.” A video capturing this moment went viral, igniting outrage online.
In a twist of fate, a local Travelodge welcomed the men, providing much-needed warmth and shelter. Amanda expressed her frustration, labelling the incident as ‘visual discrimination’. She shared, “How can you turn someone away based on appearance when they have a confirmed booking? It’s inhumane.”
This incident occurred shortly after homeless father Anthony Horn was tragically found dead, believed to have succumbed to the cold. Amanda’s story underscores the harsh realities faced by those living on the streets and the ongoing struggle for basic human rights in such adverse conditions.
Social media users voiced their displeasure, with one commenting, “Everyone deserves a chance in these conditions, terrible attitude.” IHG, the company behind Holiday Inn, claims to offer access for all guests, yet this incident raises questions about genuine inclusivity. The Manchester Evening News reached out to IHG for comment but received no response.
In a world where every kindness counts, Amanda’s determination to help those in need shines through, highlighting a shared responsibility to ensure warmth and shelter are accessible to everyone, especially when temperatures plummet.