Faversham Almshouses, which have stood on their current site since 1863, have faithfully served those in need in the town for 160 years by providing accommodation for people who are most often older and inadequately housed.

Today, there are 69 residences, which provide affordable accommodation and a supportive environment for nearly 80 beneficiaries. In recent months we have seen an increase in demand for almshouse accommodation due to the current economic pressures.

Most of the residences are in the splendid 1863 building, the largest, and arguably the finest, scheme of its kind in Kent. The building is dominated by large, steeply pitched tiled roofs, broken up by a series of brick gabled ends and hipped cross roofs. The composition is completed by a collection of eighteen substantial and boldly detailed chimneys, all rising nearly 10 feet above the main ridge line.

Maintaining this historic Grade II-listed building is an on-going challenge. Over the years, there have been ad-hoc patch repairs to the roof, but this is no longer sufficient as major problems have been identified with the roof. All hip tiles are loose, and are easily picked up and taken off, whereas they should be bedded in. The bitumen-backed membrane has failed and lacks support at every junction and work to the abutments with the chimney stacks is also required to prevent water ingress to the attic spaces.

To avoid irreparable damage to the fabric of the building, the whole roof needs to be urgently repaired. To achieve this, we need to raise £866,000. We’ll be applying for grants, but also need community help to achieve this.

So, please help our charity to preserve Faversham Almshouses for future generations by donating towards this project.