Manna House has launched a £100,000 appeal to keep its Kendal services open, with an anonymous donor promising to double every new gift made during October and November, up to a total of £10,000.
The charity, based at the Stephenson Centre, says it costs £1,000 a day to operate. Its projected annual running costs are expected to rise to £348,480, while a 38 per cent drop in confirmed funding has already forced a reduction in staff hours.
Services under pressure as homelessness rises
The Keep the Door Open appeal is intended to protect Manna House’s essential services, including emergency shelter, meals and housing advice. The charity said demand was rising sharply, with 33 people presenting as homeless at Manna House in July.
Its emergency pod was used every night during the month. The July figure compares with six people presenting as homeless a decade ago, five in June six years ago and eight in July three years ago.
Manna House chief officer Andrea Aldridge said the matched-funding arrangement means donations made during the two-month period can have twice the impact, up to the £10,000 limit.
“The matched giving opportunity means new donations made during October and November can go twice as far, up to £10,000. If someone has been thinking about supporting Manna House, this is a really powerful time to do it. “Keep the Door Open is about asking the whole community to stand alongside Manna House at a very difficult time. The events give people different ways to do that, whether they come along, donate, share the campaign or become a regular supporter. “We know times are difficult for many people, and we do not take any gift for granted. But every donation, every regular gift and every person who helps share this campaign makes a difference.”
Fundraising events in Kendal
Manna House is running a month of activities to raise awareness and support for the appeal. The programme begins with an open day and art exhibition at its Ann Street base on Sunday, October 4, from 1pm to 4pm.
Further events include Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, a sponsored walk led by Tim Farron, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, on Friday, October 16. A hotpot supper will follow on Friday, October 23, running from 6pm to 9pm.
People can donate, find out more about the events and support the campaign through the Manna House website. The charity says people can also help by sharing the appeal or becoming regular supporters.