Housing and property
The charity has a stock of 34 alms-houses in Sawston which are managed by Cambridge-based Hundred Houses Society.
These comprise 6 one-bedroomed, 26 two-bedroomed and 2 three-bedroomed houses, and each is available as temporary accommodation generally for five to ten years . Since 1996 we have housed over 100 families. Working closely with South Cambridgeshire District Council, on average 4 families per year are moved on into permanent accommodation.
JHC currently houses approximately 70 people in the village.
We have also built up a strong relationship with Great Shelford Parochial Charities who own 53 alms-houses for those that have a connection to Great Shelford. JHC staff advise and support GSPC in their housing allocation processes.
How to apply
Sawston residents and those with strong connections to the village are eligible to apply for JHC almshouses even if they are already on the SCDC waiting list. In fact we actively encourage you to join and remain on that list in any case.
JHC does not hold a waiting list so when a property becomes available it is advertised in the News section of our website and on our Facebook page. In addition, posters are usually displayed in the Post Office, Council Offices and scambs.gov.uk, at local schools, Mary’s Greengrocers, Sawston Co-op, and in the John Huntingdon Centre – the charity’s High Street offices. When we advertise a vacant property, if you’re interested simply ring our office on 01223 492492 to confirm you are eligible and to collect an application form.
Applications are assessed anonymously and in confidence by a number of our Trustees. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend an informal interview with representatives from JHC and Hundred Houses Society.
Terms of residency
Our housing is only short-term and, after a five or ten-year period (depending on circumstances), JHC residents will be issued with a notice to quit. At this point our Support workers will help them to help find alternative accommodation.
Whilst in our properties, residents are encouraged to link in with SCDC regularly and to look for longer term housing options including housing associations and private rental. They must also remain on the SCDC Homelink list.
If you’d like to know more, please call JHC on 01223 492492 to discuss your situation in confidence with one of our friendly Support workers.
Other ways we may be able to help
Even when JHC does not have any available housing, we strongly recommend you still make an appointment with our Support team to talk through your housing options. SCDC Homelink can also help you to look for alternative housing even if you are not currently registered with them.
If you have other housing issues we may still be able to help so please get in touch to arrange an appointment.