Joseph Crossley founded the 48 collegiate style almshouses in Arden Road, though his son Edward had to complete the scheme, after his death following a from a carriage while on holiday in the Lake District.

The almshouses were intended for those poor residents of Halifax who had a good record of attendance at chapel. A house there came with a weekly dole of 10/- per couple, 7/- for a single person. Nowadays residents can be Anglicans as well as chapel goers, and no longer receive the weekly handout. The almshouses continue to provide very popular sheltered housing.