Saffron Walden Almshouses has been awarded £500,000 through the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund, funded by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and delivered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, to support Project Crocus.
The project will provide 16 affordable, accessible and eco-friendly homes for people facing hardship and homelessness, including local veterans and members of the Armed Forces community.
The award is a major milestone towards the project’s £5.8 million fundraising target, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
Gary Hyams, chair of Saffron Walden Almshouses, said:
“We are very grateful for the support of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund for their generous funding of Project Crocus. It recognises the importance of our work in providing affordable, accessible, and sustainable homes for people who are facing great challenges, including members of our Armed Forces community..…This award brings us one step closer to creating a legacy to benefit current and future generations here in Saffron Walden.”
image above: architect’s plans by kind permission of King Edward The Sixth and The Reverend Joseph Prime Almshouse Charity
The Almshouse Association is delighted to see this ambitious project taking another important step towards becoming a reality. Project Crocus will create much-needed homes while continuing the almshouse tradition of providing safe, affordable and supportive housing for people facing hardship, including those who have served in the Armed Forces.
posted 29 September 2026