Housing Pathways

Housing Pathways, formerly Pathways Housing Trust, is one of London’s largest almshouse charities with 17th-century origins, dedicated to alleviating hardship through low-cost accommodation for vulnerable older adults and targeted grant funding for local communities. Managing 270 almshouses across 19 London sites and one in Kent—primarily for those over 50 facing need or distress—it also oversees allotments promoting healthy living and community cohesion. Rooted in values of dignity, stewardship, and place-based impact, the charity adapts historic principles to modern challenges, balancing property income with high governance standards via an experienced board from housing, local government, and finance sectors.

It prioritises grants for small charities and voluntary groups in Ealing and Brentford addressing hardship, health and wellbeing, marginalised populations, and social bonds—funding projects like community services, capacity building, and volunteering initiatives, with a broader community focus beyond its core older adult housing beneficiaries. Allotment management further enhances local assets.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups based exclusively in Ealing or Brentford, with a preference for small, resource-limited grassroots organisations; no strict income thresholds apply, and there are no religious restrictions. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—organisations must initiate via phone enquiry for invitation.

Grants typically range from £2,000 to £20,000 (most £5,000–£10,000), awarded adhoc by a grants committee without fixed deadlines. Distinctively, Housing Pathways avoids unrestricted or capital funding, emphasises pragmatic, community-led stewardship funded by local property income, and stands out for its integrated model of historic housing, grants, and allotments fostering enduring local resilience.