A pilot programme will feature a partnership between the Government and a charity so that emergency, short-term rental funding can be made available for people who find themselves without a home.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, made the announcement today, when she was joined by Home, which is working to end homelessness in Bermuda.

She revealed that her ministry will provide $147,000 for the creation and operation of the service.

Ms Furbert said: “I am deeply gratified to collaborate with the charity Home Bermuda, a partner who shares our ministry’s vision of a Bermuda where every person is housed, safe and supported.

“In alignment with the Government’s objective of building a fairer Bermuda for everyone and supporting Bermudians through all stages of life, the ministry is proud to formally announce a new partnership with Home through which we have granted $147,000 to support the creation and operation of a rental support service emergency subsidy pilot programme.”

The minister said that the scheme was made possible through the September 2024 supplementary budget.

She noted that it is part of the Government’s broader strategy to expand social services and address housing insecurity in a meaningful way.

Ms Furbert added: “Our goal is to prevent homelessness before it begins, to ensure that people facing sudden eviction, unsafe housing or unstable housing situations have access to immediate emergency rental support.

“This includes help with the first month’s rent or deposit — often the most significant barrier to securing accommodation. This is support that cannot wait weeks or months; it must come when the need is urgent.

“This initiative directly supports Section 8 of the strategic plan to end homelessness in Bermuda, helping us to identify and intervene before people fall through the cracks.

“Home already operates rent support services and they will oversee the implementation of this pilot, including the management of all grant disbursements in a way that ensures accountability, timeliness and compassion.”

Speaking of the exit strategy for clients of the service, Ms Furbert said that the support is “not a handout but a stepping stone”.

Hardship and housing assessments as well as landlord and tenant education will be included in the agreements.

Ms Furbert said that the aim of the support is to create long-term housing stability, even after the emergency support concludes.

She added: “We want the people of Bermuda to know that you are not alone; the Government is here, support is here as we work towards improving the living circumstances.”

Mandatory reporting, tracking and supporting clients for as long as they need it was included in the plan to end homelessness with a multi-disciplinary case management team being established.

Keishen Bean, the chairman of the multidisciplinary case management committee and the supervising case manager at Home, said: “Those of us working on the front lines of homelessness know all too well that it is far more compassionate — and far less costly — to prevent homelessness than to cure it.

“When a family or individuals lose their home and no affordable home is immediately available, the road back to stability can be long and difficult.

“With the right interventions at the right time, we can stop the slide before it starts.”

He said the support provides a “lifeline” designed to help individuals and families facing acute financial hardship on a time-limited basis.

To be eligible for the support, applicants must be referred from one of the following agencies: Home Bermuda, Family Centre, Transitional Community Services, The Salvation Army, Teen Services, Star, Dignity House, Solstice, the Women’s Resource Centre, the Centre Against Abuse, the Department of Court Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health, or the Department of Financial Assistance.

Applicants can call 599-9931 to request an interview, and the goal is for a decision to be made within 72 hours of the referral.

Additionally, the tenant must have a signed lease agreement and the landlord must agree to the tenant continuing their tenancy in the apartment.

Financial Assistance provides more long-term support. The rental support is focused on immediate, short-term intervention.

Tenants who receive support are required to complete Home’s Renting Ready Programme, which is a ten-week course designed to help tenants build skills and be responsible renters.

Tiffanne Thomas, chief operating officer at Family Centre and deputy chairwoman of the multidisciplinary case management committee, said collaboration aimed to ensure there was no duplication of services.

Dr Thomas said: “This grant will allow us to reach further, respond faster and provide more comprehensive support to some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Ms Furbert said that the Government intended to create a centralised housing register to take stock of the houses that are available in Bermuda.

She added: “We have some summer students who are helping us with that project and they are due to give me a presentation on Monday in regards to derelict homes or homes that are not being utilised.”

Asked if there was still a need for a facility to help provide shelter to the homeless, Ms Furbert responded: “Yes, there is still a need and there is still potential to build a structure.”