The Municipal and Owen Carter Almshouse Charity found it’s roots back in the 15th century, alongside the historic St George’s Buildings on Church Street in Poole. For centuries, we have been committed to providing secure, welcoming homes for those in need of support during retirement.
Today, we manage two almshouse communities. The first is at Old Rope Walk on Blandford Road in Hamworthy, where 38 homes offer comfort and independence. Ten of these are studio apartments with their own kitchen and bathroom, while the remainder are one-bedroom units featuring a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom.
Our second location is at St George’s Buildings in Church Street, Poole. Here, four smaller one-bedroom homes provide a cozy setting, ideal for single residents seeking a peaceful environment.
We strive to create a sense of community and belonging for our residents. “We care for our residents, though we do not provide care for them”. We ensure that everyone who joins us can live independently, in line with our governing documents.
Eligibility is based on a long-standing principle and governing document dating back to it’s founders: Beneficiaries must be “poor people of good character” who are living in the District of Poole at the time of appointment. Like all almshouses, we offer a licence to occupy rather than a tenancy, preserving the charitable nature of our work.
The charity is overseen by a dedicated board of ten trustees who volunteer their time and expertise. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Clerk to the Trustees and a resident Warden, working together to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our funding comes from invested endowment funds and modest maintenance contributions from residents—similar to rent, but legally distinct.
What is an Almshouse?
Almshouse charities are regulated by the Charity Commission and governed by locally recruited trustees. Residents pay a weekly maintenance contribution, which is similar to rent but different in law, and less than a commercial rate. Almshouse trusts were generally founded by benefactors in earlier times to provide for those in need and often to cater for a particular category of persons. Visit the Almshouse Association to find out more.
The Old Rope Walk 