A CHARITY helping the homeless in Waltham Forest says is facing an uncertain future after a Government grant was cut.

Branches, which is building a new shelter and training facility in Forest Road, Walthamstow, will have a £50,000 annual payment withdrawn from April next year.

And a decision on £140,000-worth of funding distributed by the council was postponed this week until next year.

Branches chief executive Peter Baldwin said some funding has been secured, but warned services and staff may have to be cut if the grants are not awarded.

The charity has already begun consulting with its 20 staff and 39 residents on possible changes.

He added: “We put forward a strong case, but we know there are drastic cuts being made.

“We are looking at ways to fund our services as is everybody else.

“We are looking at a fundraising strategy and writing more applications (for money).

“We have so many volunteers, but we don't want to replace staff with volunteers.”

“I think the next financial year will be OK, it's what happens the year after and the one after that which is uncertain.

“We are putting contingency plans together but they change week-by-week.”

The future of the charity's new hostel, which is expected to be completed in february, does not depend on this year’s funding bids.

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