Building homes, growing hope in Saffron Walden
As a desirable place to live, Saffron Walden has a significant shortage of small, affordable accommodation which limits the ability of local people to stay close to their roots. The average price of a home is also more than 13 times the average salary, and most market rents in the town cost at least a quarter of monthly earnings. For those struggling on a low income, this makes living here practically impossible.
One solution is to apply for an almshouse licence. Unlike most of the 1700 almshouse charities across the country, Saffron Walden Almshouses are open to applicants of all ages – the majority of our applicants are of working age and often coping with life circumstances that make it difficult for them to take on the high cost of market rents.
The charity currently provides 47 homes; however, demand always outstrips supply, and we receive as many as 40 applications each time we advertise a vacancy. There is a clear need for more affordable accommodation for local people, and our answer, after many years of planning, is Project Crocus, a development of 16 sensitively-designed, accessible, energy-efficient new properties to replace the seven bungalows on Primes Close.
“…Without any property or capital, my situation was very precarious. Being granted an Almshouse flat enabled me to remain at the heart of the community, close to friends and family. The Charity gave me a secure home which contributed greatly to my mental recovery from the stroke.”
(Simon, Almshouse resident)
Why do we need your support?
Funding a rolling programme of maintenance and improvements to our existing properties costs around £175,000 a year. Much of our accommodation is also within listed buildings, which require careful restoration and sensitive refurbishment. Whilst our income from licence revenues makes it possible for us to maintain our existing properties, it doesn’t enable us to plan for a future that proactively addresses the current housing crisis or alleviates pressure on Uttlesford District Council to build more affordable homes in the town.
“I’ve been here eleven years now and I love it … I’m only a 25-minute walk from mum’s place and an even shorter walk to work. I also love the Almshouses community. It feels friendly, safe and we’re fortunate to have welcome green spaces and so much nature on our doorstep. We are so lucky to live here”
(Catherine, Almshouse resident)
The Crocus Campaign
The anticipated capital cost of Project Crocus is expected to be around £5.5m million and whilst as much as £1m may be available from our ringfenced funds, we are still left with a significant shortfall. This is why we have launched the Crocus Campaign; to create not just 16 modern, affordable homes for people in financial hardship, but also to promote our broader vision with potential givers and grant-makers, so that we can secure our charitable activities for the long-term.
Double the money you give
We have had a wonderful start to the Crocus Campaign, with a generous supporter offering to match, pound for pound, the first £100,000 in gifts from individuals. So, whatever you give now will be doubled in value, helping us to kick-start the project and give a real boost to the campaign.
To make sure your gift doubles in size, visit our donate page. Thank you!
Ways of supporting the Crocus Campaign
There are a number of ways that you can help to transform the lives of local people in search of stability, community and a place to call home. The Crocus Campaign offers opportunities for you to show your support by making one-off or regular gifts, by leaving a bequest in your Will, or by offering corporate sponsorship. You can make a donation via our website, or by contacting us directly. We would be very happy to discuss the options for naming the new accommodation in its entirety or for specific units. We would also be delighted to accept gifts that are dedicated either in your own name or in memory of a loved one. To find out more about these opportunities contact us on crocuscampaign@swalmshouses.org
Make a real difference
Here are just a few examples of how a gift to the Crocus Campaign can make a real difference to the lives of local people:
£5,000 | could fit out a bathroom in one of the new properties.
£10,000 | could fit out a kitchen in one of the new properties.
£25,000 | could fully equip a home for a disabled or less able-bodied resident.
Naming opportunities
- £500,000 to name the entire Project Crocus development.
- £25,000 to name a home.
- £20,000 to name the community garden.
- £1,000 or more to be recognised on a plaque within the Project Crocus development.