Backers and volunteers have signed to help with the creation of a shelter for families in need at a disused rest home.

Habitat for Humanity Bermuda and the Women's Resource Centre yesterday announced plans to renovate the former Pembroke Rest Home off Parsons Road.

Elaine Butterfield, executive director of the Women's Resource Centre, said that now was “the paramount time and opportunity” to create the Transformational Living Centre.

She added: “While some services are providing for the need of single people, we will provide for the needs of women and children.”

The two groups are on a drive to raise $1.3 million for the refurbishment of the building, given by Pembroke Parish Council.

Sheelagh Cooper, the chairwoman of Habitat for Humanity Bermuda, said the home was shut down in 2007 but has been well maintained.

She said the rest home could house ten families and as many as 35 children.

The groups said they hoped a plot of waste land next to the home by St Augustine Road, owned by the Government, would be donated to grow crops.

Ms Cooper said: “Instead of calling it a capital campaign, this is a community campaign. We need plumbers, electricians, masons, tradespeople and designers to come and help us.”

She added that people had already expressed an interest in helping the two groups.