Bermuda requires a coordinated system coupled with sustainable funding, stronger prevention, reliable data and clear accountability which reflect the real circumstances of people living rough, the House heard.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said statutory protections and housing options must be in place to assist those affected by the issue.

She said the Plan to End Homelessness, a strategy that comprises evidence-based solutions and global best practices to end homelessness in Bermuda, makes the case that the social issue is not limited to those “whom we see on the streets”.

She said: “It includes those who are roofless, those who are houseless, those in insecure housing, and those living in inadequate housing.

“It includes people in emergency accommodation, people leaving institutions with nowhere to nowhere safe to go, people under the threat of eviction, people fleeing violence, and people living in conditions no person should be asked to endure.”

Ms Furbert told the House that the issue was not a new challenge to the island.

Back in 1988, growing concern about the number of people living without dependable accommodation led to the reactivation of Bermuda's Committee on Homelessness.

The body included representatives from the Bermuda Police Service, The Salvation Army and the Department of Social Services who banded together because they recognised that homelessness was becoming more visible.

The body also recognised and that the resources available to respond were struggling to keep pace with growing need.

According to a census, she said there were 82 people in Bermuda experiencing homelessness in 2010 and 138 people in 2016.

In 2022, there were 169 persons recorded in homelessness hostels, and a further 46 persons were recorded in night shelters.

“These numbers tell us that homelessness in Bermuda is not theoretical,” Ms Furbert said.

The charity Home, estimated that 1,331 were experiencing homelessness in 2025.

Ms Furbert said the plan recognises the importance of Bermuda's broader housing agenda, the affordable housing strategy, and the National Homelessness Action Plan operate at different points on the same continuum.

Robin Tucker, the Shadow Minister of Youth and Family Services, called on MPs to think about “the real lives and the real people” affected by homelessness.

She said: “We have an urgent and critical crisis on our hands.

“Many of us know someone who is housing insecure, whether it's a neighbour, a family, a friend, a former colleague … but unless we've walked in their shoes we really cannot fully appreciate the depth of the hardship that they're experiencing.”

She said the need to address homelessness in Bermuda was a shared responsibility, adding that the One Bermuda Alliance stands ready to support the plan.

Zane DeSilva, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities, said many are struggling to finding affordable homes, adding that he receives frequent calls from people seeking somewhere to live.

Michael Fahy, the Shadow Minister Economy, Labour and Housing, said the plan acknowledged the gaps to be filled, highlighting issues to be addressed.

He said the growing number of homeless individuals identified was “sobering”, stating that the Government has a significant amount of work to do to address the challenges.

While Mr Fahy said the plan still lacked “measurables” such as the costs and timelines.

Christopher Famous, chairman of the Bermuda Housing Corporation, said that in the last two years, the BHC had refurbished about 76 properties, all of which were occupied, and is now working to build hundreds of new units.

He said: “At the end of the day we need more houses in this country. That’s the bottom line.”

Dwayne Robinson, the Shadow Minister of Home and Community Affairs, voiced his support for the plan, stating it highlights the many different facets of homelessness in Bermuda.

However, he said that the Government cannot be the only home builder on the island and that he hoped that a structured effort to encourage private building could be incorporated.

Ben Smith, the Leader of the Opposition, said when people thought about homelessness, many neglected to consider how they came to be in such a position.

He said the island needed to address the causes of homelessness and continuous financial support was required to make a real change.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said homelessness was not always as simple as a housing challenge, stating that a robust social system was needed to ensure there were measures in place to catch those who need assistance.

He said: “We are not going to eradicate the need for help, but we need to ensure we have robust frameworks and systems in place to make sure they have the support that they need.”

Mr Hayward said he has pushed for unemployment insurance to help provide a buffer for those who find themself in a challenging position.