Events in Ukraine are a disturbing reminder of how easy it is for people to suddenly lose their homes as a result of war or persecution. Over the years there have been all too many cases where people have been forced to flee their homes, whether that be from Afghanistan, Syria or many others and, unfortunately, we know that this is unlikely to be the last time we see people having to fleeing from their homes and their country.
Could the almshouse model provide new stability for housing refugees?
Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association considers how the model could benefit those fleeing Ukraine and other conflicts and asks if the time is right to time to build a new generation of almshouses for todays displaced persons.
“For centuries almshouses have been the safe, warm refuge for those in need of a home and community. Traditionally almshouses have been provided by philanthropists for those in the community most at need at the time. Those founders have often seen a need in their parish, town or even specific industry. The founders of almshouses may have seen a housing need amongst widows of the parish, miners, soldiers or fishermen. All the benefactors identified and enshrined in the founders wishes for centuries.
I wonder if todays philanthropist may see the local need reflect the global changes afoot? Families fleeing desperate situations in Afghanistan, Syria and now Ukraine, having gained rights to remain in the community, may be today’s most desperate families and there is no better home and sanctuary than the almshouse community.
Almshouses have survived with their founders’ intentions because they are uniquely protected. They are the oldest charities and the oldest form of community housing going back 1,000 years even to the original 7 of acts mercy that include giving shelter to the traveller.
Philanthropists have always stepped forward during crisis to establish new almshouses from the plight of their fellow man during plague, Civil War, Industrial Revolution, Poor Laws, World Wars and now perhaps we see the plight of refugees needing a safe secure community over the long term.
An almshouse charity established today could be providing homes for refugees in housing need for hundreds of years to come; over its lifetime an almshouse could change the lives of thousands of people in need of a safe place to live.
Almshouses offer a proven community housing model for which it seems there is a growing, desperate need for. Anyone looking to establish a new almshouse charity or seeking to expand their current provision can reach out to The Almshouse Association for advice on how to achieve this.
We may not be able to replace everything that these people have lost, but almshouse charities can provide a strong foundation from which to rebuild through the provision of a stable home.”
as featured in ‘Inside Housing’ Comment 17 03 22
Posted 17 Mar 2022