Kendal Homelessness Charity Secures 12-Month Funding Lifeline After Income Falls
A homelessness charity in Kendal has secured a 12-month funding agreement, providing vital financial support after a significant fall in income threatened its services.
Manna House, which supports homeless and vulnerable people across South Lakeland, had been facing financial difficulties after reporting a 38 per cent reduction in income over the previous 12 months. The shortfall forced the organisation to reduce staff hours to protect its essential drop-in services. The new partnership with electricity network operator SP Electricity North West is expected to provide greater financial stability and help the charity maintain its support for people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and financial hardship.
The agreement will initially run for 12 months and forms part of a partnership between the charity and the electricity network company. As part of the arrangement, Manna House staff will help promote SP Electricity North West's Extra Care Register, a free service designed to provide additional assistance to vulnerable customers who may need support during electricity supply interruptions. The partnership combines financial assistance for the charity with efforts to improve awareness of services available to people who require extra help during power cuts.
Manna House chief officer Andrea Aldridge welcomed the agreement, explaining that guaranteed funding would make a significant difference to the organisation's ability to continue its work. She said the financial commitment would allow the charity to maintain practical support for people who rely on its services while giving staff greater confidence when planning for the future. She also expressed gratitude to SP Electricity North West for recognising the importance of the charity's work in the local community.
SP Electricity North West also highlighted the importance of Manna House's contribution to the community. Karen Hunter, the company's customer inclusion manager, said the charity provided practical assistance, advice and a safe environment for people dealing with difficult circumstances. She explained that the organisation wanted to find a way to help after learning about its financial challenges. The partnership, she added, would help ensure that important support remained available to people who needed it.
Manna House operates from the Stephenson Centre on Ann Street in Kendal, providing a range of practical services for people who are homeless, vulnerably housed, experiencing loneliness or struggling financially. Its drop-in sessions allow visitors to enjoy a hot lunch, take a shower and wash their clothes. The charity also provides housing and benefits advice, advocacy and access to support intended to help people improve their circumstances and find more secure accommodation.
The organisation had previously warned that its financial position was becoming increasingly difficult after Westmorland and Furness Council ended a longstanding annual grant worth £12,000. The funding had originally been provided through arrangements inherited from the former South Lakeland District Council. Combined with rising operating costs and a reduction in confirmed funding and donations, the withdrawal added to the pressure on the charity and contributed to concerns about its ability to maintain existing services.
In response to the financial difficulties, Manna House launched its Keep the Door Open fundraising appeal, setting a target of £100,000 to help sustain its operations. The campaign has sought support from residents, businesses and other organisations, with donations intended to protect services for people facing homelessness and financial hardship. The new funding agreement provides additional reassurance, although the charity's wider need for sustainable financial support remains important for its longer-term future.
Manna House continues to operate drop-in sessions at the Stephenson Centre, Ann Street, Kendal, LA9 6AA, from 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. People using the service can access meals, washing facilities and practical advice. Those seeking housing or benefits assistance outside the regular drop-in arrangements can telephone 01539 725534 to arrange an appointment. The charity's work remains an important source of support for vulnerable people across the South Lakeland area.
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