Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals or couples, who are:
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of good character,
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over the age of 60,
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able to live independently,
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of limited financial resource, and
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not in full time employment or self-employment
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recognise that Huggens's College is a community with Christian values
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can apply to be elected as Collegians.
If you need more information, please contact us.
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If you fulfil the above criteria you can apply at any time. There is normally a small waiting list. When there is a vacancy the Directors will choose the applicants that they think best meet the aims of the charity and will best integrate into the College. How long someone has been waiting is not necessarily a consideration.
It is impossible to give a specific waiting time as the directors try to ensure that all the bungalows are occupied and once elected a Collegian he/she/they is/are allocated a bungalow for his/her/their lifetime, or for as long as the Directors consider he or she is able to maintain himself or herself independently and at the Directors’ discretion.
The length of waiting time is therefore constantly changing as it depends on how many other people are on the waiting list and changes in occupancy within the College. As each unit of accommodation becomes vacant, unless it has already been upgraded, there will be at least a three month wait for upgrading. Upgraded bungalows which become vacant are redecorated and usually will be unavailable for at least one month.
As soon as a vacancy occurs the Charity and Finance Manager will write to everyone on the waiting list enclosing an application form. This asks for:
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some personal and financial information
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two persons from whom personal references can be obtained
As the financial information on the application form can date quite quickly the forms are only sent to potential applicants when a bungalow becomes vacant.
The completed form is considered by the Directors. If they think that the applicant may be suitable they are invited for an interview. Potential Collegians are interviewed by two Directors and the successful applicant(s) is/are elected.
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A maintenance contribution, currently £755 per month, is charged. Depending on your circumstances all or some may be met by housing benefit. No rent is payable. Each Collegian provides their own furniture and furnishings and is also responsible for paying the council tax, utility and other household bills relating to their bungalow.
If both were appointed to be Collegians by the Directors the surviving partner will be allowed to remain here for the rest of their life, provided their health needs permit. If the surviving partner was not originally appointed to be a Collegian by the Directors he/she may apply to the Directors to be appointed a Collegian provide they meet the criteria above.
Not many. We operate a non-smoking environment and regret that we cannot accept dogs. Collegians are free to come and go as they wish, but for Health and Safety reasons, we do ask that they tell the College staff when they intend to be away.
As long as you are in sufficiently good health to manage on your own albeit with the support of local social services. However when your health becomes such that in our opinion you would be better served in a nursing home or hospital you will need to move as nursing facilities are not provided.
Worship is central to the community’s life, so collegians are encouraged to attend regularly. However, this is a matter for personal spirituality and everyone finds their own pattern of attendance.
Yes. The Charity Manager is always pleased to learn of people whom we may be able to help.
Please contact the Charity and Finance Manager in the first instance.
Either by email:
Or by post:
Directors of Huggens College
c/o 6 Cross Green
Basildon
Essex SS16 5QW