Guests of the Foundation
There are up to 100 flats available for ex-service or ex-Merchant Marine Veterans with a long term infirmity and if they meet the criteria of the charity they may apply to become a beneficiary of the Foundation, provided that he/she is a British national or has indefinite permission to live in the UK after discharge from the Armed Forces or Merchant Marine. Their infirmity does not have to be a result of their military or Merchant Marine service and may be an infirmity which has arisen in later life.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for housing must demonstrate that they are in financial need and therefore eligible for charitable housing because they cannot afford to rent or buy their own property. They should not own or have any share in another property in the UK or abroad.
Family Residency
Spouses and dependent children may reside with the Guest as a family unit, although the licence to occupy always remains in the name of the appointed Guest. All family units and single Guests must be able to look after themselves as the Foundation is a provider of housing and does not offer care, advisory, or monitoring services.
Occupancy
Guests are appointed with a view to long-term occupancy rather than short-term stays. This helps to form a closer Veterans’ community on the Estate.
Upon being appointed, the new Guest will be allocated a flat for an initial period of one year (the probationary year). After that, they will be offered a continued right of residence if they wish to remain, provided they have maintained their flat in good order and continue to meet the conditions of appointment and terms of occupation.
Changing Needs
The Foundation recognizes that a Guest’s housing needs may change over time. It will do its best to accommodate those changes whether for a larger or smaller property. However, the Foundation cannot guarantee that it will always be able to meet such needs. In cases where the accommodation is no longer appropriate, a Guest may ultimately need to seek alternative housing.
Weekly Maintenance Charge (WMC)
Guests do not pay rent but instead contribute a Weekly Maintenance Charge (WMC) toward the upkeep of the Foundation properties. The WMC is payable monthly from the 1st of the month. This charge is kept within the limits of Universal Credit/Local Housing Allowance and may be funded partly or wholly by the local authority for those who qualify.
Details of the WMC amount will be supplied at the time of the interview.
Utilities and Responsibilities
Flats are carpeted and have central heating and a fitted kitchen with white goods provided and maintained by the Foundation. Guests are responsible for paying their own utility bills and Council Tax. Each flat has a small garden area at the rear next to their neighbour's garden. Guests must maintain their garden areas in good order.
Application
If you think you may be eligible to become a Guest of the Foundation, an application form can be downloaded from the link on this website or requested by post from the Estate office by calling 0208 673 9655.
The office address is:
The E Hayes Dashwood Foundation
The Estate Office
26E Radbourne Road
London SW12 0EF
Completion of an application form is essential for every applicant. The form requires full details of service history, medical infirmity and financial information. This allows the Foundation to make a balanced and informed assessment of the applicant’s merits and needs for charitable housing support.
Interview
The Foundation’s Housing Committee Trustees will review applications from potential Guests and may request additional information. If they determine that an applicant meets the criteria and could be appointed as a beneficiary, they will arrange an interview at a mutually agreeable time.
Selection interviews for Guests are only held periodically as and when flats may shortly be ready for occupation. Whilst we keep the names of applicants for as long as they wish we do not interview for the purpose of creating a long-term waiting list. Each application is carefully assessed and invitation to interview is based on the specific needs of the applicant at the time of application.
Interviews take place in London, conducted by a panel of Housing Committee Trustees at a convenient location. All Guest appointments are made on a discretionary basis after a successful interview and the endorsement of the full Board of Trustees.