It is widely believed that the entire almshouse movement has its origins in the Seven Works of Mercy, a fundamental principle of Christian teaching.
Many almshouse charities were founded on a simple but powerful principle: using church land and charitable assets to provide safe, affordable homes for those in need. Today, the Church of England is asking a similar question. Across the country, changing patterns of worship have left many churches with underused land and buildings, while the demand for genuinely affordable housing has never been greater. Could this create new opportunities for partnership?
Inspired by the Coming Home report, the Church of England’s Housing Project helps parishes and dioceses explore how surplus church land could be used to create affordable, sustainable homes that strengthen local communities.
The project offers:
- Grants of up to £25,000 towards early feasibility work and professional fees.
- Specialist advice on planning, church buildings, architecture and community-led housing.
- Practical support from the earliest stages of a project through to development.
- Introductions to trusted partners with shared values.
Since launching its grant programme just over a year ago, the team has awarded more than £1 million to 48 projects across England, helping churches unlock sites that may otherwise never have been considered for housing.
Why this matters to almshouse charities
Many churches are looking for experienced, values-led organisations to help bring forward small housing developments on land such as former church halls, car parks, surplus churchyards and vicarage gardens. Increasingly, those conversations are happening with almshouse charities.
The Housing Project has access to a GIS mapping system covering Church of England land and is able to identify potential development opportunities and introduce churches to suitable partners in their area.
While the grant funding is available only to Church of England bodies, it can be used to fund the early work that reduces development risk—such as feasibility studies, surveys and pre-application planning advice—making projects more attractive for potential development partners.
More than housing
Both the Church and the almshouse movement recognise that great places are about more than homes alone.
Many church-led housing projects also improve or replace community facilities, creating welcoming spaces for worship, local groups, advice services, food banks, warm spaces and community activities. These shared spaces help reduce loneliness, support wellbeing and strengthen neighbourhoods.
Projects also seek to enhance the natural environment, delivering measurable biodiversity improvements alongside new homes, ensuring church land continues to provide lasting social, environmental and community value.
For almshouse charities looking to expand their housing provision, partnership with local churches offers the opportunity to combine shared values, complementary expertise and underused land to deliver affordable homes where they are needed most.
Whether you’re actively seeking development opportunities or simply want to understand how partnering with a local church could work, the Housing Project team is happy to help.