Government has a series of agencies and programmes that can step in to help people who are at risk of losing their homes or in financial difficulties.

The Department of Financial Assistance can help if:

You have lost your job and need immediate financial assistance.

You are about to be evicted.

You need assistance with rent or food.

Both you and your partner are working, but still can not afford to pay rent or buy food.

You are already homeless and want to get off the street. New legislation states that you have a review board if you were previously denied financial assistance.

Your lights are about to be turned off.

You are out of work and in rent arrears.

The Department also offers the following support services:

Money management services to help with budgeting.

Direct payment of HIP hospital insurance.

Financial Assistance for Seniors, without touching a pension.

Rent paid directly to landlords.

Other agencies:

Teen Haven provides a home, education and counselling for pregnant teenagers, Lighthouse/Star provide support and housing to people with AIDS/HIV, Hope Homes provides a home for the physically and mentally challenged, the Physical Abuse Centre provides a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

The Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) will assist with the following:

Immediate shelters or temporary Government housing for families on the streets.

Assistance if you and your children are moving from place to place and have a bad credit rating or owe money to BHC.

The Salvation Army provides the following services:

Soup Run Monday, Thursday and Saturdays. They aim to leave Harbour Light between 6.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Clothing

Food hampers to emergency services

At the moment the Salvation Army's emergency housing shelter is full.

Harbour Light runs an addiction programme.