Applications

The almshouses today

The almshouses are located in the heart of Berkhamsted, on the High Street, with easy access to facilities, services and social activities.   The houses are suitable for those who can live independently. The charity does not provide support services and there is no on-call caretaker. Due to the nature of the building it is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

Currently there are 3 residential units. Unit 241 is awaiting funding for a major restoration project.

Living room

Each almshouse is a small studio flat and is offered unfurnishd. They include the following:

  • living room and bedroom alcove
  • kitchen with washing machine, oven, hob and fridge or fridge/freezer
  • bathroom with shower
  • TV aerial and phone point
  • outside storage shed
  • communal garden with private patio area

 The charity does not provide any support services and there is no on-call caretaker. Due to the nature of the building with several steps, it is not suitable for anyone with mobility issuess.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO VACANCIES

Application Process

1. Check whether you are eligible to be a resident

Please check before you apply that you meet the criteria to be a resident at our almshouses. You can apply to be a resident if you are:

  • single
  • have a connection to Berkhamsted or the immediate surrounding area
  • be of limited financial means and be living in modest circumstances
  • have a housing need 
  • living independently 
  • have a permanent right to residency in the UK 

2. Register your interest in applying

Please register your interest by emailing us,  clerk@johnsayeralmshouses.org.uk You will need to provide a contact email address and phone number. The clerk can answer any initial questions, will check you meet the requirements and advise if there are any vacancies.

3. Visit

If you meet these requirements and there is a current vacancy, we will invite you to visit us and have a look around the almshouses before we ask for a formal application to be completed. This visit is to ensure that you understand the nature of almshouse accommodation, and that it is suitable for your needs and expectations (as well as to explain our own expectations). The clerk will arrange an appointment with you for this visit.

4. Application form

If you wish to proceed, you will then be asked to fill in our application form and return it to the clerk. This will require you to provide:

  • financial information
  • reasons for making the application
  • next of kin details
  • 2 referees
  • GP details and permission to seek a GP’s reference.

5. Interview 

We will then arrange to visit you in your current home; this will be by our clerk and one of our trustees.

The final decision on appointing a resident will rest with the Trustees of John Sayer Almshouses.