Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler has revealed a proposed redevelopment of the North Street Emergency Shelter, which would double the facility's housing capacity.

"The existing emergency shelter run by the Salvation Army on North Street is old, and only has a capacity of 50 persons," said Mr. Butler at a presentation on Wednesday.

If the proposed redevelopment occurs, the shelter will be able to host as many as 100 of the Island's homeless, along with delivering on-site programming to help residents gain their independence.

The improved facility, designed by Canadian consulting firm CS&P Consultants, would represent phase one of a three-stage process, helping Bermuda's less fortunate, the Minister said.

"Phases two and three represent traditional housing and more affordable low-cost housing respectively, and are phases where clients have more independent living and require less social programming and intervention," he said.

According to materials provided by the Ministry, Phase two would consist of dormitory-style living, and phase three would offer independent living in low-cost housing, with rent fixed to 25 percent of the occupant's income.