Seven key action points were outlined today as part of multi-agency efforts to ensure housing security for everyone in Bermuda.

The Government marked World Homeless Day and provided an update on collaborative work under way.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said that the observance served as “a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure every person has the dignity of a safe, stable and secure place to call home”.

She said that within a strong collaborative framework uniting the Government, community service providers and the wider community, seven areas that shape Bermuda’s plan to end homelessness have been identified.

The action points include implementing a systemic approach to homelessness data and intervention monitoring, affordable housing and welfare availability, and public policy reform.

Ms Furbert said: “These recommendations form the foundation of our collective response and guide our next steps forward.

“Together, these action items provide a clear and united road map, one built on partnership and compassion, and the shared belief that every person deserves a place to call home.”

She reminded the public that the ministry partnered with the charitable organisation Home to support the Rental Support Services Pilot Programme.

Backed by a government grant of $148,000, the scheme fills an “urgent gap” by providing immediate rental support covering the first month’s rent or a deposit to secure accommodation.

The grant established a hardship fund, which is being used to expand access to essential social services.

A multidisciplinary committee comprising representatives from several non-profit agencies reviews and determines eligibility for assistance.

Ms Furbert said that as of June, 29 people had been referred for support.

Of those, 52 per cent received support for rental assistance, 14 per cent for medical needs, 17 per cent for groceries and 13 per cent for utilities.

The programme has financed $32,527 to support individuals and families in crisis.

Ms Furbert added: “Importantly, all payments are made directly to landlords or vendors on behalf of applicants to ensure accountability and transparency.

“We also recognise the mounting pressures that contribute to homelessness. According to data from the Judicial Department, between January 2022 and December 2024, there were 117 unique eviction cases, with rental arrears cited as the primary cause in 71 of those cases.”

Ms Furbert said the Government had made progress in establishing a case management system to track homelessness across Bermuda.

She added that 25 user licences, costing $7,944.28, were bought by government ministries, departments and key third-sector partners.

“Staff from the Department of Financial Assistance, the Department of Child and Family Services, the Salvation Army, the Centre Against Abuse and Transitional Community Services have completed training and are now ready to begin entering data, building Bermuda’s first reliable, shared database of individuals experiencing homelessness,” Ms Furbert said.

The ministry has also launched a housing programme designed to assist inmates transitioning from the Department of Corrections or those on community supervisory orders who have complex needs.

A grant of $317,275 was awarded to Home to support the renovation of Astor House, a nine-bed boarding facility that will provide accommodation and intensive support services for at least six months. It is expected to launch in November.

Ms Furbert spoke on the ministry’s property survey project focusing on derelict residential and commercial properties registered with the Department of Land Valuation.

She said: “The goal is to create a comprehensive database of these properties and identify their legal owners.

“Students, in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Home, conducted field surveys using a condition rating system to assess the external state of each property.

“This initiative, undertaken jointly by the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities, and the Department of Planning, will provide valuable data to inform the Government’s policy decisions aimed at addressing Bermuda’s social housing challenges.”