A charity tracking as well as tackling homelessness in Bermuda estimated that as of last year, 2 per cent of the island’s population had felt its effects — with the number of people in difficulty getting a roof over their head increasing.

In its 2025 annual report, Home counted 230 more people experiencing homelessness compared with the figure at the end of 2024, raising the total confirmed to 1,331, an increase of 21 per cent.

It meant last year abided by a trend seen by the group since its 2021 launch counted 555 unsheltered people. That figure rose to 650 in 2022, then 811 for 2023, followed by 1,101 in 2024.

Home said: “Net new cases of homelessness in 2025 of 230 individuals is attributed to a combination of new cases, as well as previously ‘hidden homeless’ being found and cases of recidivism minus cases where an individual’s homelessness ended.”

It attributed the rise to the intersection of “Bermuda’s housing shortage and cost-of-living crisis”.

The report celebrated strides for the year — when the charity “sustainably ended homelessness for 32 people” and prevented 48 new cases.

Home took on 355 new clients and provided 45 people with “intensive case management”, while accommodating 19 rough sleepers during winter months.

The group highlighted its partnerships, which included linking with 147 landlords to shelter people who had experienced homelessness — and forging relationships with 42 new strategic donors.

Last year, the charity’s Housing First programme from its Black Circle, Pembroke property, provided shelter and care for five cohorts of single men, with each group comprising eight people.

It brought the total number of cohorts assisted to 17 since the programme’s launch in 2022.

The charity ran Home for Families, sheltering and supporting six housing-insecure women and dependent children. Mothers secured employment and developed financial independence, while receiving life skills support.

Home also launched Renting Ready, training attendees to hone their responsibilities as landlords and tenants.

Denise Carey, the chief executive of Home, said its growth of partnerships with property owners “clearly reflected” the commitment to ending homelessness in the ranks of its team.

She added: “Our community is beginning to show what evidence from other jurisdictions has repeatedly proven: real, lasting progress happens when we work together.”

Arthur Wightman, Home’s founder and non-executive chairman, said: “This year, we have witnessed countless stories of perseverance and mutual support among our clients.

“From small acts of kindness to moments of profound personal growth, every achievement is a celebration of their courage in the face of adversity.”

Ms Carey said that while much had been achieved, the “lack of safe, secure social or affordable housing is the most critical issue facing our collective mission to end homelessness”.

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Home Annual Report 2025

• To see Home’s 2025 report in full, see Related Media