Isleworth & Hounslow Charity owns a series of almshouses which provide housing to those who needs are considered necessitous. The Charity has been providing help and accommodation for those in housing need and financial need since the 17th Century.

We have 5 sites in Isleworth, 1 site in Hounslow and 1 site in Chiswick and in all the Charity has 99 units of accommodation. The oldest of these properties is more than 350 years and the newest was built in 2011. We try to create communities where our residents live as good neighbours and help each other should the need arise.

 
This page provides information for people considering applying for an almshouse with Isleworth & Hounslow Charity.

Almshouse accommodation is available to older people who live in the London Borough of Hounslow. The age requirement varies according to the covenant on each of our properties, but is generally 55 years. Our residents must be able to live independently and have a clear financial or social need. We provide self-contained almshouses which are finished to a high standard.
Isleworth and Hounslow Charity, though, is not simply a provider of accommodation for older people. Trustees, staff and residents aim to build friendly, supportive communities. We offer accommodation to people who are disdvantaged and in housing need.

As well as providing high quality accommodation for older people, we aim to create a community by providing central activities and encouraging residents to set up and run their own groups and events.

Centrally, the Charity arranges events such as a summer coach trip to the coast and a Christmas lunch for all residents. We also organise fortnightly minibus transport to a supermarket.

Resident groups arrange a number of events such as coffee mornings, fish and chip suppers, Christmas parties and pub nights.

To become a beneficiary of an almshouse of the Charity applicants must :

  • be in necessitous circumstances
  • not have needs that would be too great for the Charity to cope with 
  • be of good character
  • have been resident in the London Borough of Hounslow for not less than two years
  • other than in exceptional circumstances, all household members shall be not less than 40 years of age

All five criteria must be met before an enquirer’s name will be added to the Charity’s housing register of interest.

In coming to a view as to whether people are in necessitous circumstances the Trustees will consider whether applicants can afford to rent an equivalent sized dwelling in the area and also meet their other basic needs on a sustainable basis. In doing so they will have regard to housing benefit eligibility. Those who are under-occupying public sector accommodation will also be considered. Regard will be made to the length of time that an applicant has experienced housing need along with their current need.

A person appointed as a resident of the Charity is a beneficiary of the Charity, not a tenant. This means that the resident has no legal interest in the accommodation but occupies it under licence with the permission of the Trustees.