The charity was set up to relieve financial and medical hardship for people living or working in the church parishes of St Giles-in-the-Fields in Holborn, St George's in Bloomsbury and St Paul's in Covent Garden.
We do this through the provision of;
- almshouse accommodation in the area for 8 older women
- grants for individuals and organisations within the area of benefit.
Our help is significant for the small number of individuals and organisations that we support.
The Charity has ancient endowments including the almshouses, a neighbouring property rented as office space, a public house and capital invested.
The St Giles Almshouses comprise a small community of eight self-contained flats situated around an attractive courtyard - an oasis of calm in busy Covent Garden. All residents live independently, and there is no warden care. The accommodation is available to women over 60 who have lived or worked in our area for at least 10 years. Most of the flats were refurbished during 2019 with new kitchens and bathrooms, and the charity continues to ensure they are maintained properly and fit for purpose.
Our individual grants scheme (in partnership with St Andrew's Holborn charity) offers up to £500 for household goods for people on low income. Last year, our budget was £10,000 and we awarded 21 individual grants for washing machines, fridge freezers, furniture and flooring.
Our grants to organisations focus on supporting isolated older people and rough sleepers. We have awarded several multi-year grants to local organisations addressing these priority areas. We do not accept unsolicited applications for funding but are happy to discuss proposals. Our annual budget is small at £40,000.
