A retired Uppingham couple who risked becoming homeless have moved into a newly created flat in Oakham owned by Rutland’s oldest charity, St John & St Anne (SJSA).

The almshouse charity stepped in to help Terence & Mary Gaythorpe after they were given notice to quit their previous home by their landlord. The two-bedroom flat, formerly the charity’s office was transformed into a home, with the help of a grant from Homes England and a loan from The Almshouse Association.

Mr & Mrs Gaythorpe have lived in the county for 50 years. Their flat brings SJSA’s housing stock for retired people to 103 properties spread over five sites in Oakham & Uppingham.

It is so pleasing that this new property will ensure that a local couple can now continue to enjoy their retirement years without having to repeatedly navigate the private rental market.

St John and St Anne Almshouses CEO Paul Martin

The Almshouse Association is so pleased to hear that an Almshouse Association loan has helped to make this possible for the charity and for these newest almshouse residents. With the help of our supporters and generous donations, we hope to be able to offer many more grants and loans to charities in need to that they may continue to provide safe, warm homes to people in need in their community.

If you would like to find out more about supporting almshoue charities or making a legacy in your will, please do contact our Head of Fundraising at susanvanleest@almshouses.org

You may also like to visit our Leave a legacy | (almshouses.org) page.

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