Got Questions

Almshouses are a charitable form of self-sufficient, low-cost community housing that is held in trust for local people in housing need. They are managed and run by almshouse charities.

Today, 36,000 people are living full and independent lives in almshouses, finding friendships, wellbeing, safety and security inside their walls and within their communities (The Almshouse Association).

You can apply to be a resident at Croydon Almshouses if you are:

• 60+ years and over
• have a permanent right to residency in the UK
• have a connection to Croydon
• be of limited financial means (typically meaning lo£10k or less in savings)
• have a housing need
• be able to live independently

See full eligibility criteria, and details on the application process on this page: Become a Resident

Residents pay a Weekly Maintenance Contribution (calculated on a monthly basis) in line with Local Authority Housing Allowance Rates for their almshouse.

For residents who are eligible for Housing Benefit, this will cover the cost of the almshouse, although if you have additional income which reduces the amount of Housing Benefit you are entitled to, you may be required to cover some of it yourself. 

If you are not eligible for Housing Benefit, you will need to pay yourself, although we can subsidise if following a financial assessment, we recognise you need financial assistance.  Our Wellbeing Team will be able to advise during the application process.

Residents are responsible for their own Council Tax, telephone, internet and electricity.

Croydon Almshouses has a Wellbeing team onsite Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00 to support residents. The building is also covered by a 24-hour digital telecare system that ensures residents receive help in emergencies.

All residents are invited to develop a Wellbeing Plan with our team, who offer support to all residents to live their lives in a way that is meaningful to them.

Our residents also enjoy a varied Activities & Events Programme.

We are currently accepting resident applications.

Yes. Croydon Almshouses CIO is a registered charity. 

Our registered charity number is 1209872. 

Our registered address is Elis David Almshouses, Duppas Hill Terrace, Croydon, CR0 4BT,

Our Theory of Change outcomes contribute to Croydon Almshouses’ Vision of creating thriving communities where everyone can live with dignity and independence.

What our grants don’t usually fund

• Arts or education projects not directly supporting individuals in hardship
• Projects focused solely on animal welfare
• General appeals or circulars
• Statutory activities of public bodies
• Projects that have already taken place
• Grant-making by other organisations
• Non-charitable limited companies or partnerships

Examples of Eligible Costs

• Equipment purchases
• Venue hire
• Staffing costs

How much can I apply for?

• Up to £30,000 per organisation (larger grants may be spread over 2 – 3 years)
• Up to £1,000 for individuals in need (via an organisation)

Organisations must wait 1 year after current funding ends before reapplying

To apply for funding, your organisation must meet the following criteria:

• Beneficiaries must be resident in Croydon
• Beneficiaries must be in need due to poverty, age, disability or other disadvantage
• The grant must align to at least one of our Theory of Change outcomes:

– Increased wellbeing
– Reduced loneliness
– Increased ability for people to manage their own lives

• We can only make grants to support activities which are charitable in law, however organisations do not have to be charities to apply. We will also fund:

– Grassroot community groups
– CICs and other non-charity social enterprises
– Organisations who are classed as exempt charities

We will award small grants to individuals, if submitted via an email from a third-party charitable organisation.

If you are an individual who would like to apply for a grant, contact our Community Development Lead, Bec Yusuf, for guidance.