Campaign explores social housing as solution for crisis
The “commodification of housing” in Bermuda will be challenged as part of an upcoming campaign.
Bermuda Is Love will lead the charge on the Bermuda Is Home drive that also advocates for housing as a human right.
There are four themed events taking place throughout June focusing on the local housing problem, its history, solutions and the future.
Aaron Crichlow, of Bermuda Is Love, said the island needed “transformation, not tinkering”.
He added: “In Bermuda, housing is treated not as a necessity but as a financial asset. It is a system where profit comes before people.
“Those unable to meet rising rents or mortgage payments are left behind, excluded by a market driven by speculation and inequality.
“Throwing more money into this unjust market will not solve the crisis. The root causes — unregulated markets, speculative investment and deep economic inequality — must be addressed.”
• Week 1 — The Problem
Theme: Understanding the root causes of homelessness and the housing crisis
Event: Panel discussion and housing justice social
Date: Friday
Time: 5.30pm to 8pm
Location: Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, 1 Point Pleasant Road, Hamilton
• Week 2 — History
Theme: Housing inequality through time
Event: Exploring Bermuda’s “Black Mecca” tour
Date: June 14
Time: 10am to noon
Location: Meet at the corner of Princess Street and Dundonald Street, Hamilton
• Week 3 — The Solution
Theme: What social housing looks like
Event: Volunteer day with Home at Astor House
Date: June 21
Time: 10am to noon
Location: Astor House, 38 Union Street, Hamilton
• Week 1 — The Future
Theme: Community vision and action
Event: Social housing community visioning session
Date: June 28
Time: 10am to noon
Location: To be announced
Mr Crichlow said that Bermuda must reimagine housing “through the lens of justice, equality and community”, and consider a social housing programme that prioritises human dignity over profits.
He added: “Cities like Vienna, Singapore and Amsterdam have shown that when housing is built for people, not markets, entire communities thrive.
“This campaign is not just about awareness — it is about building collective power, shifting culture and demanding justice.
“We believe that housing is a human right and that every Bermudian deserves to feel secure, respected and at home.”
The Government has said it is committed to modernising the rental legislation to better serve landlords as well as their tenants through the Landlord and Tenant Act.
Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, said this week that the aim was to “create a rental market that is accountable, accessible and sustainable”.
Meanwhile, more affordable housing units are expected to be made available after the Bermuda Housing Corporation received a 33 per cent boost to $17 million in capital funding in the last Budget.
David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, said last month that the funds would continue the “record investment in affordable housing made by this government” and were expected to result in the delivery of 30 additional affordable housing units in 2025.
Mr Crichlow encouraged the public to follow the campaign that aims to “fight for a future where housing is a right, not a privilege — and where Bermuda is truly home for all”.
All events are free and open to the public.
• To register, visitwww.bermudaislove.com
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