Too many of us regard homelessness as something that could happen only to others, particularly those who are unemployed and living in poverty. Forget that stereotype; it’s outdated in Bermuda in 2025.

Even those lucky enough to have a home and a job — especially those living paycheque to paycheque — can quickly find themselves without anywhere to live. It may take only a job loss, broken relationship or health problem. In my work as supervising case manager at Home, I’m hearing more frequently about this type of sad scenario.

Housing supply is so tight that for anyone obliged to move out of a home for whatever reason, finding a new place is problematic or unaffordable.

This is not only about tenants who are evicted, but people who are required to leave because the landlord has decided to sell the property. They may then find there are no housing options available to meet their needs.

I know of one family of four who settled for a one-bedroom apartment as a short-term solution. Nearly two years later, they are still there, with the children sleeping in the living room. And because of the housing crisis, they are probably destined to remain in inadequate accommodation for some time. This situation is not uncommon today and, as in this family’s case, it is not because they have no income. It is because of the lack of housing options.

The housing crisis has deepened even in the two years since I have been working with Home. When I started, one of the questions I would ask when taking on a new client would be, “In which part of the island would you prefer to live?”

Affordable properties are in such short supply today that acting quickly to take what is available is critical. As a result, even those fortunate enough to find a new place may well be displaced from their neighbourhood and lose some of their social network.

At Home, we work closely with people experiencing homelessness to give them access to the support they need to live stable, independent lives. We connect them with employers and healthcare services, work with them to establish bank accounts, and advise on budgeting and home management. Through our Renting Ready programme, we strive to ensure our clients know their rights and responsibilities as tenants. But too often, when they are ready to live independently, no home is available.

At Home, we see the human suffering at the sharp end of the housing crisis. The loss of a home — a place that embodies shelter, security, privacy and an emotional anchor — has a deep impact that is difficult to put into words.

In 2024 alone, Home took on 306 new clients and provided intensive case management to 47. We prevented 65 new cases of homelessness and, working with the Bermuda Housing Corporation and private landlords, we found settled housing for 49 people.

Despite our progress, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Bermuda rose to 1,101 by year-end, fuelled by the effects of the housing crisis and the sharp increase in the cost of living we have seen in recent years. We are certain there are others who did not show up in the count, and that many more at risk of losing their home.

There are 13 operational categories of homelessness detailed in Home’s Plan To End Homelessness, ranging from sleeping rough to being in insecure or inadequate accommodation. The lack of available housing is exacerbating problems for people in all of these predicaments.

For example, people ready to exit institutions — such as Westgate Correctional Facility or the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Centre — are sometimes unable to leave because they have no housing options. People suffering domestic violence sometimes feel they cannot leave the abusive relationship because the alternative is homelessness. Also, some Bermudians returning to the island after a period living overseas cannot find a home.

We are constantly working with our partners to find practical solutions to ease this burden, mindful that it will take community-wide intent and support to provide more affordable homes.

However, there is evidence that when public policy clearly sets out the objective of ending homelessness, there is evidence of progress — as is the case in Finland, the only European Union country where homelessness is falling at present.

Our community is also trying.

Occasionally, we get calls from people who have an apartment or room they are willing to rent to people in need of a place. This type of support is wonderful, but on an island-wide basis, it is barely scratching the surface. The challenges we face every day show us that there is much work to do.

Preventing new cases of homelessness is one of Home’s strategic priorities. It is much easier and more cost-effective to provide timely support to enable someone to keep their home than to try to rehouse them after they become homeless.

Sometimes people need only a little support and by working together with the landlord and tenant, and mutually clarifying expectations and obligations, we can find a solution.

Early intervention is key. Once we receive a referral, we try to conduct an “intake” within 48 hours. The intake process is critical; that is when we gather the information we need to understand their situation in order to draw up a personal plan.

No two cases are alike. Sometimes a person can be at risk of homelessness because their relationship with family is breaking down. Working with our partners to arrange counselling or mediation and other necessary services can prevent the break-up.

We know individuals will frequently refuse to contemplate they are on a path to homelessness — through embarrassment or denial. We recognise it is a difficult step to reach out for help, but the earlier they, their friends or family do so the easier it will be for Home and our community partners to assist.

Ending homelessness in Bermuda is possible — but it will take all of us. By gathering pertinent data to see the issue clearly, acting early and committing to real solutions, we can prevent needless suffering and ensure everyone has a place to call home.

• Keishen Bean is a supervising case manager at Home who previously served as a residential care officer for the Department of Child and Family Services, and as an educational therapist assistant with the Ministry of Education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from Cape Breton University, and is former captain of the national football team. Keishen can be reached by e-mailing keishen@home.bm or by calling 599-9931. To learn more, see Home’s annual report at www.home.bm