Exeter Homes Trust

Exeter Homes Trust (Charity Number 201530) is a longstanding charitable organization based in Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, dedicated to providing housing and accommodation for elderly people of limited financial means. It manages a portfolio of almshouses and has a history tracing back approximately 900 years, originating in the 11th century.

History

The Trust's origins date back to the 11th century, establishing it as one of the oldest charitable housing providers in the region. The original purpose of Exeter Homes Trust was—and remains—to offer accommodation for individuals who, due to reduced circumstances, are unable to remain in their own homes. The Trust is custodian of an original 1837 Lord Chancellor’s scheme concerning Exeter charities, underpinning its governance and activities since the 19th century.

Operations and Housing Stock

Exeter Homes Trust owns and manages 141 almshouses distributed across eight estates within the city of Exeter. These properties include a range of architectural styles from Victorian and Edwardian eras to mid-war, post-war, and contemporary designs. The Trust recently completed phase 1 of a remodelling project on the Grendon Road Almshouses in March 2024. The different locations of the almshouses include Magdalen, North Park, Fair Park, Hurst Trump, Livery Dole Cottages, Livery Dole Flats, Atwill Palmer, Culverland Road, and Grendon Road.

Beneficiaries

The Trust serves people aged 55 and over who are of limited financial means and have a connection to Exeter or live within a 10-mile radius. This reflects the Trust's focus on aiding elderly residents who have lived in or near Exeter. In exceptional cases, individuals outside this area may be considered if they meet other qualification criteria.

Charitable Activities

The core function of Exeter Homes Trust is to provide affordable housing for elderly people, coupled with support and advocacy services. The Trust prioritizes maintaining safe, suitable accommodation and improving residents’ quality of life. It has also engaged in ongoing redevelopment projects to modernize and expand its housing stock.

Governance and Financial Overview

Registered as a provider under the Housing Association scheme since June 1976, Exeter Homes Trust operates under the oversight of a board of trustees including local officials and community representatives.

For the financial year ending 31 December 2023, the Trust reported a total income of £921,522, with the majority derived from charitable activities and government grants. Total expenditure amounted to £743,793, primarily relating to the maintenance and operation of its housing stock and services. The Trust’s financial management ensures the sustainability of its housing provision and ongoing charitable work.

This article summarizes the history, purpose, and activities of Exeter Homes Trust, a key provider of almshouse accommodation for vulnerable elderly populations in Exeter, maintaining a continuous charitable legacy for nearly a millennium[1][2][3][4].

[1] https://www.exeterhomestrust.com [2] https://www.exeterhomestrust.com/about [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=201530 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/201530/what-who-how-where [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10252914/officers