The Evans'S Cottage Homes
Charity 236070
Overview
Summary
The Evans'S Cottage Homes appears to be a long-established, place-rooted almshouse trust providing a small-scale form of independent later-life housing for single women. Its role is distinctive not simply because it offers accommodation, but because it preserves a historically specific charitable model: housing for women whose financial circumstances have declined, with a stated connection to Birmingham. The available evidence suggests an organisation focused on continuity, accessibility and stable stewardship rather than expansion or a broad service offer.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Weoley and Selly Oak
Confidence: low
Direct evidence establishes that the charity's sole described housing premises, comprising 26 flats, is in Selly Oak. However, the supplied evidence does not explicitly identify an operational area at ward level.
- Evans's Cottage Homes official website
The charity states that its present premises are in Selly Oak, Birmingham, and comprise 26 single-bedroom flats; it provides living accommodation for single women aged over 60. - Charity Commission register, charity 236070
The charity describes its activity as 'Almshouses for ladies', provides accommodation/housing, owns and/or leases land or property, and reports operating in Birmingham City.
Remaining uncertainties
- The supplied and official website evidence confirms one residential premises in Selly Oak but does not publish an explicit ward name. The ward assignment therefore cannot currently be determined from the supplied evidence.
- The Charity Commission records Birmingham City as the charity's reported operating area, but this is not sufficient evidence that it delivers housing or other services across Birmingham beyond its Selly Oak site.
- No evidence was found of additional current operational sites, satellite services, or partnerships that materially extend the charity's operational reach.
- The Lord Mayor of Birmingham's ex-officio trusteeship is a governance connection, not evidence of a delivery partnership or citywide operation.
Additional evidence needed
- A current annual report, property schedule, or trustee report confirming whether Evans Gardens is the charity's only operational property.
- Evidence from the charity explicitly identifying the operational area of the Evans Gardens premises at ward level.
- Evidence of any formal delivery partnerships, referral arrangements, or additional housing provision outside Selly Oak.
Areas of work
- Accommodation/housing
Who they help
- Elderly/old People
- People With Disabilities
How they help
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
A specialised housing model for a narrowly defined group
The organisation appears to provide a highly targeted form of later-life housing: single-bedroom flats for single women over 60, aligned with its charitable purpose of supporting ladies of reduced fortunes.
Why it matters
This suggests the Homes may meet a need that generic older-person housing does not fully address: affordable, independent accommodation shaped around gender, age and changed financial circumstances.
Show evidence
“Since 1868 the Trust has been providing living accommodation for single ladies aged over 60 years.”
Source:Organisation“FOR PROVIDING COTTAGE HOMES AND ANNUITIES FOR LADIES OF REDUCED FORTUNES.”
Source:Charity Commission
A small, local civic asset rather than a large housing provider
With 26 flats in Selly Oak and a preference for people living near Birmingham, the Homes appears to operate as a neighbourhood-scale charitable housing asset with limited capacity and a strong local orientation.
Why it matters
Its value may lie in providing a durable local option and personal continuity, while its small scale may also make access, vacancies and referral relationships especially consequential.
Show evidence
“The property comprises 26 single bedroom flats.”
Source:Organisation“PREFERENCE GIVEN TO THOSE RESIDING WITHIN FIVE MILES OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM.”
Source:Charity Commission
Accessibility appears central to sustaining independence
The accommodation appears designed or adapted to help residents remain independent as mobility needs change, rather than functioning solely as basic housing.
Why it matters
This may position the Homes between ordinary independent housing and more intensive supported accommodation, potentially helping residents remain in their community for longer.
Show evidence
“Stair lifts.”
Source:Organisation“Mobility scooter storage.”
Source:Organisation“People With Disabilities.”
Source:Charity Commission
- Whether residents receive any support beyond accommodation and shared facilities.
- How eligibility, affordability, waiting lists and vacancy allocation operate in practice.
- Whether the historic annuity element of the charitable objects remains active.
Remaining uncertainties
- Information on rents, service charges, eligibility criteria, demand and allocation decisions.
- Evidence of resident support, partnerships, governance activity and recent changes to the Homes.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Almshouses for ladies.
Charity objects
FOR PROVIDING COTTAGE HOMES AND ANNUITIES FOR LADIES OF REDUCED FORTUNES. (PREFERENCE GIVEN TO THOSE RESIDING WITHIN FIVE MILES OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM)