Mission Cafe faces an uncertain future over funding worries

Jul 2 2010 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Mission Cafe faces an uncertain future over funding worries

A CAFE which provides a safe haven to those in need faces an uncertain future.

The Mission Cafe based at the Methodist Mission faces a cash shortfall – it has to find thousands of pounds which is around 38% of its annual funding.

Cafe manager Jacqui Goff said she was worried about the future, fearing they may have to close their doors if funds cannot be found.

“As a Christian I believed if we are meant to be there then we will be there,” she said. “I think it is a necessary service and I am worried.

“As a result of the recession and budget cuts I think we will see even more people in crisis.

“I’ll start worrying even more if we haven’t got the money by September.

“We are trying to find the funding from charitable trusts but we are waiting to hear back.”

The cafe, which has been in existence for more than a century, has always had the aim of helping people who need it.

Not only is it a sanctuary for people in crisis, but it’s a place for people to get advice on who to turn to for help.

Often people in crisis are referred to the Mission Cafe by other agencies, including the police and council.

Around 62% of their funding comes from the Methodist Church, both nationally and the Huddersfield mission itself.

But with everyone facing cuts due to the recession, funds are harder to come by. It means staff have to find thousands of pounds to keep the service running.

Jacqui added: “We’re not just a cafe, we provide help, advice and support and subsidised meals.

“We respect everyone who comes in, they could be homeless, have drug or alcohol problems or have lost their jobs.