Bangor Soup Kitchen Needs Help After Damage from a Burst Sewer Pipe

Manna in Bangor is struggling to recover after a burst sewer pipe over their kitchen caused extensive damage.

Manna in Bangor, Maine Needs Help After a Burst Sewer Pipe Damaged Their Kitchen

At first, the folks at Manna thought a water pipe had burst, which would require a deep cleaning.

When they realized it was a sewer pipe dumping human waste into their kitchen, Director Bill Rae realized it was a much bigger issue.

READ MORE: Photos That Show Huge Changes in Bangor Since 2007

Bill just recently had a stroke, and so getting the facility on its feet has produced several challenges.

But Rae has never been one to give up.

Manna in Bangor, Maine, is Making Repairs After a Sewer Pipe Burst

So far, the folks at Manna have improved the dining area enough that Bangor's Code Enforcement Officer declared it a safe place to eat.

While the kitchen is out of commission, local restaurants are providing meals served at 4 each night.

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But there are still about $7,000 in repairs needed in the kitchen, including a convection oven to replace one that was destroyed.

Bill posted this video on Wednesday of the kitchen's current state.

Manna opens every day at 1 pm so people can cool off in the summer, warm up in the winter, have a bottle of water, and maybe stay for dinner.

Manna in Bangor, Maine, is Asking for Donations After Damage From a Burst Sewer Pipe

Bill is inviting the public into the facility at 95 Center Street in Bangor to see the extent of the damage and the repairs they've made so far.

When it rains, it pours, but Manna has been here since 1990, and we're not planning on going anywhere soon.

Anyone wishing to donate can send it to the following address:

• Manna
• P.O. Box 2763
• Bangor, ME 04401

Manna has been helping Bangor's most vulnerable residents for over 30 years.

Now they could use the community's help to continue their mission.