St John’s Foundation, a charitable institution with over 850 years of service, is tackling the housing crisis head-on by committing £5 million to develop and upgrade affordable homes for older adults. This substantial investment comes at a time when escalating house prices are forcing many vulnerable pensioners out of the market.
Over the next three years, the foundation plans to build up to 15 new almshouses and renovate existing properties to support individuals aged 65 and over who are experiencing financial hardship. Upon completion, the total number of almshouses managed by St John’s will reach 109, placing it among the top two percent of almshouse providers nationwide.
Chief Executive Catharine Brown emphasized the significance of the project: “This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our history. Almshouses don’t just offer affordable housing; they foster vibrant communities where older people can find companionship and support, reducing loneliness while enhancing their sense of belonging and purpose.”
READ MORE: Inside British Acting Legend Jane Seymour’s Stunning Former Home
The project emerges against a backdrop of mounting housing challenges in Bath and North East Somerset, where house prices now exceed thirteen times the average salary. The region also faces a shortage of social housing compared to national figures, and temporary accommodation occupancy is at its highest in two decades. Additionally, the population over 65 is expected to grow by 15 percent by 2028, heightening the demand for affordable, supportive housing.
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse praised the foundation’s efforts: “St John’s Foundation has long been essential to our city, and this new investment will bring vital relief to older residents facing housing difficulties. Expanding almshouses means more people gain the security of affordable homes within a supportive community—a legacy that will benefit generations.”
In addition to new housing, St John’s plans upgrades to its Combe Park almshouses to improve energy efficiency and comfort for current occupants. The charity will also relocate its headquarters from Chapel Court to 1 Queen Square, a property it already owns, which will serve as a hub for the House of St John’s co-working and events space.
Pending planning approval, the new almshouses are slated for completion by 2027, promising a brighter, more secure future for older adults in the area.