Almshouses have played an important role in social housing for over a thousand years.

They are the result of a bequest and of social activism, with the original benefactors keen to support those in housing need and poverty – in perpetuity.

“One of the earliest forms of bequest, almshouses are as relevant today as they have been throughout the ages, but who will be the next generation of philanthropists?”
Dan Cruikshank, British art historian, BBC television presenter and Almshouse Association Ambassador

Almshouse charities today are pivotal within local communities and continue to support generation after generation of local people in housing need, so it has been fitting that during our 75th year, The Almshouse Association has been having conversations about the benefits of almshouses and just how important legacies are to us and to our member charities.

Please click here to read the article on almshouses featured in the Daily Telegraph on Saturday 30th October 21 as part the nationwide ‘Remember a Charity’ campaign.

Our plan to support our members to build thousands of new almshouses in the next 10 years across the country is achievable – with your help. We are seeing the almshouse movement getting more attention in The House of Lords, The House of Commons, the Church of England’s ‘Coming Home’ report on tackling the housing crisis, and highlighted in a number of recent White Papers on Social Housing. These are exciting times! But we need to do more!

Leave a legacy – support generation after generation – in perpetuity

Across the country many of our member charities are looking to do more too. They want to build, refurbish and improve their almshouses. The almshouse movement is growing and becoming a significant part of the response to the affordable housing crisis across the country with 36,000 people living in almshouses today.

We have joined forces with ‘Remember a Charity’ who are actively working to encourage more people to leave a gift in their will. They give advice on will writing and we are proud to be one of the 200+ charities they are working with to ‘act today to make a difference tomorrow’.

Thinking about leaving a legacy and want to talk about it?
Click to leave you contact details and we will call you directly

Posted 4 November 21