What is the meaning of alms houses?

An almshouse is a unit of residential accommodation (usually a house or flat) which belongs to a charity, is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes (for example, the relief of financial need or infirmity) and is occupied or is available for occupation under a licence by a qualified beneficiary.

Do alms houses still exist?

Almshouse trusts were generally founded by benefactors in earlier times to provide for those in need and often to cater for a particular group of people. Today there are almshouses for retired fishermen, miners, retail workers and a host of other groups in addition to the elderly.

How many almshouses are there?

The Almshouse Association is a support charity representing over 1600 independent almshouse charities across the UK. Almshouses are a charitable form of self sufficient, low cost community housing that is held in trust for local people in housing need.

Who can live in an alms house?

Almshouses are run by independent local charities. They provide self-contained, low-cost housing, mostly to older people who have a low income. They often cater for particular categories of people, for example if you’ve worked for a certain trade or you’ve been living in the area for a number of years.

How do I get an alms house?

By contacting the Association by phone, letter or email and we will send you a list of those almshouses situated in the area you live or wish to live. Please note it is then up to the individual to contact the charity to see if they have a vacancy and the person qualifies as a beneficiary.

Why is it called almshouse?

The history of almshouses stretches back to medieval times when religious orders cared for the poor. Originally called hospitals or bede houses, in the sense of hospitality and shelter.

How many almshouses are there in the UK?

There are 30,000+ almshouse dwellings throughout the UK providing affordable homes for over 36,000 residents.

Can almshouses be sold?

“An almshouse is only ever sold to a private owner if it is no longer tenable as a property that can be rented to the elderly or the disadvantaged,” says Anthony De Ritter, director of the Almshouses Association, which says 36,000 people live in alms properties across the country.

Who started alms houses?

Almshouses have sheltered elderly and poor parishioners, often at a peppercorn rent, since the founding of the first recorded almshouse by King Athelstan in York in the 10th century.

Do you have to pay rent on an almshouse?

We would like to make clear that almshouse residents are not tenants and pay weekly maintenance charges, not rent. The weekly maintenance charges may be paid by Housing Benefit if the resident is eligible to receive it.

How do I apply for alms house?

Applicants must have an initial telephone conversation with the charity’s Administrator to assess their eligibility to apply. Applicants must complete the Application Form for Almshouse Accommodation and return it to The Richmond Charities Head Office along with all the supporting documentation requested in the form.

What were alms and almshouses?

At its simplest, an almshouse is an endowed institution providing residential support for the elderly poor. Its facilities are often comfortable with all mod-cons. Some might insist that residents demonstrate a connection with a local area, church congregation, trade or craft or military service.

What happens in an almshouse?

An almshouse was a place where those who could not care for themselves, and had no family to care for them, were collectively fed and sheltered. In one sense they were humanitarian. In another, they treated people as unwanted and segregated them from perceived ”normal” populations.