Northern Rock Foundation

A Cumbrian charity, which provides support to homeless people, is celebrating after receiving a grant of £80,000 from the Northern Rock Foundation.

Manna House, at Aynam Road, Kendal, helps homeless people who are not eligible for statutory help from the local council. These are mostly single men but the charity is also increasingly helping homeless young people.

Two full-time and two part-time staff currently work with around 65 people who are either homeless or living in temporary and supported accommodation, offering skills training in areas such as gardening along with advice sessions and a drop-in facility.

Manna House has also founded the Café Manna, at Stricklandgate and a fashion outlet specialising in environmentally-friendly garments, where homeless people learn practical skills to improve their job prospects.

After receiving the cash in the Foundation’s latest round of awards to charities and good causes throughout the region, the organisation hopes to move to bigger premises within Kendal and to ultimately buy a property it can convert into accommodation, for people who would otherwise be homeless.

The grant, which will be awarded over three years, will also help fund staff to provide skills training and advice.

Jonathan Brook, director of Manna House, said: “Unfortunately, there are no hostels for homeless people in our area. When they come to us, we see if they qualify for council accommodation and, if not, we try to find them somewhere else to live. If we can give them the skills and training they need to get a job then they can either rent privately or pay for bed and breakfast accommodation.”

The grant was one of 15 grants, totalling more than £1m, given by the Northern Rock Foundation to charitable organisations in its latest round of awards.

Penny Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said: “Homelessness is a problem in South Lakeland . Many houses are second homes or holiday lets and affordable accommodation is very scarce. Manna House is a good organisation running a busy resource providing a range of support to very vulnerable people. Our funding will help to ensure its future over the next few years.”

For press information contact Hilary Florek 0191 285 7100 or 07831 552624 email hilary@hilaryflorekpr.co.uk