Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) staffers have their hands full dealing with the consequences of Hurricane Fabian.

And those needing emergency housing should not expect substantial help from BHC if they are not already clients.

Almost half of the approximately 130 BHC-owned properties were damaged by the storm on Friday night.

About 30 properties in BHC's portfolio have suffered significant roof damage, a number of which also have window and door damage, according to BHC general manager Vance Campbell.

Another 30 properties have had just window and doors damaged.

Mr. Campbell told The Royal Gazette that damage assessment was still ongoing and the figures could grow as rainfall reveals more roof damage.

Among the worst hit buildings were Sandhurst and the Arcadia building in St. George's.

Arcadia is not occupied, but BHC plans to relocate the four families living in Sandhurst.

"As of now we have taken temporary measures such as using canvas to cover damaged roofs but in some cases we have had to move occupants. We had a meeting this morning with a view to moving four families out of Sandhurst in St. George's," said Mr. Campbell.

"They are going to be moved to various properties around the Island But again, because of limited resources we just don't have the number of units available that are vacant for normal housing let alone emergency housing."

Mr. Campbell made it clear that current clients of the Housing Corporation will be given priority for emergency housing needs inflicted by the storm.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, complained that BHC could not provide housing for her family after her Harlem Heights, Bailey's Bay apartment where she lives with her husband and 21-year-old son, burned down on Sunday night.

BHC offered her housing in barracks-style accommodation on the former baselands. But the facility is for women only and she refused the offer because she did not want to split up her family.

"At times like this we need to work together and stay together," she said.

"As long as it's got running water and electricity they should give it to us, and what has to be done we can do it ourselves. Foreigners come down here and they get places so quickly. We are being swept out of our own country. We are being wiped away."

Mr. Campbell said while BHC tries not to split families up, the nature of an emergency often means some sacrifice.

The woman had applied for BHC accommodation prior to the storm, but is not a BHC client. The family is currently living with her mother.

"If you are a Housing Corporation tenant we will do the best we can to, one, secure your property and, two, to do any repairs as quickly as possible," said Mr. Campbell.

"In the event that the property is unsafe or it would be unsafe to execute the repair while you are there, we will do our best to find alternate accommodation as soon as possible."

BHC will help non clients with information, he continued. "But our first priority has to be with existing tenants."

He said he was grateful to the contractors that helped out during the pre-storm preparations and "even more so after the storm," particularly in the St. George's area.

"I would thank them personally but for now I would like to send out a general thank you," he said.

Clients who hold BHC mortgages are also getting some help from the Corporation.

"A lot of times we are assisting them with insurance claims and things like that. We hold the mortgage so in some cases the insurance comes with the mortgage.

"I have to thank my staff. They've gone over and beyond the call of duty from before the hurricane as well as the aftermath. They are really busy and as I say they have been working long hours, and in some cases with less than ideal conditions at home, to come and help their clients."

The Bailey's Bay resident claimed that BHC has vacant property suitable for families and that staffers were cold and insensitive when she contacted them for help.

"The Island is experiencing something that it has never experienced before and, in the immediate aftermath, a person's experience can be interpreted as being cold," said Mr. Thompson.

"We try to treat our clients with sensitivity and understanding."

On the woman's claims that family appropriate housing is available, he said : "They need to let us know where they are so we can tap into that market as well."

He added: "We may not be able to meet the needs of her family but we were trying to at least help her."