About Us

Housing with Heart

Almshouses date back to medieval times and are the oldest form of social housing. Reading Almshouse Charity has origins dating back to the mid 19th Century. It is a non-profit charitable incorporated organisation. We were founded to support "individuals of good character" who have lived within 20 miles of Reading for at least three years and so the charity provides one- and two-bedroom flats across three sites. Our mission is to maintain safe, community-oriented accommodation for those able to live independently. Properties include Penton House, Castle Street, and Liberty House, each offering refurbished homes in central or quiet residential areas. The charity operates under the ethos of “Housing with Heart,” emphasising dignity, independence, and community for its residents We are governed by a board of local trustees who volunteer their skills, knowledge, and expertise.

Our History

1600s: Earliest property deeds for almshouses in Reading, particularly on Castle Street.
1837: Trustee minutes begin, documenting the governance of various almshouse trusts.
19th Century: Expansion of almshouse provision across Reading, with financial records showing sustained charitable activity.
20th Century: Continued operation and refurbishment of properties; some trusts begin merging for efficiency.
2013: Formal incorporation of the Reading Almshouse Charity as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Present Day: The charity manages three sites—Penton House, Castle Street, and Liberty House

How we work

Reading Almshouse Charity is governed by a structured framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with its charitable mission.

Trustees

The charity is overseen by a board of trustees, composed of local professionals and community members.
Trustees are responsible for strategic decisions, financial oversight, and ensuring compliance with charity law.
The trustees meet regularly to review operations, approve budgets, and assess applications for housing.

Legal Structure

Incorporated as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2013, which provides a legal identity and limited liability for trustees.
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, ensuring public accountability.

Management

Day-to-day operations are handled by a small staff team, including a manager and administrative support.
Staff manage property maintenance, resident relations, and application processing.

Dyers_Almshouses,_Northgate,_Crawley_(Close-up_of_one_House).JPG

Almshouses in the UK

Dating back over a thousand years, almshouses were originally founded by religious institutions or philanthropists to provide shelter and support. Today, around 1,600 almshouse charities operate across the country, housing over 36,000 residents. These homes foster community spirit, often arranged around courtyards with shared gardens and chapels. Residents typically pay a modest maintenance contribution rather than rent. Governed by local trustees, almshouses remain a vital part of the UK’s social care landscape, offering dignity, independence, and companionship to those facing housing insecurity