The Salvation Army has welcomed the news it could finally get a new homeless shelter.The organisation is now in negotiations for “a long lease for nominal rent of a Government property”, it was announced in the Throne Speech.A location for the residence has yet to be confirmed, said Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army Shawn Critch.“I was approached in August on this possibility and have been in conversation with Government since then on the opportunity of leasing a vacant government property for the purpose of serving the homeless community,” he said. “We are currently working through our internal process requirements in order to facilitate the lease arrangements. The Salvation Army is very pleased to be pursuing this opportunity in partnership with the Government of Bermuda.“It will certainly provide a facility that will meet the current need and represents the shared commitment of both the Government and the Army in this area of social concern. The proposed facility will also create opportunities for increased programming which we see as being critically important in meeting identified needs.”The Throne Speech also revealed that Government is in talks with the Young Men’s Christian Association to set up turnkey youth development programmes across the Island.It also stated that Parish councils will be given an increased role in strengthening community life through community development legislation aimed at bridging the role between family and community.“As an example, St Luke’s Lane needs work; the road direction needs to be changed and raised,” the Throne Speech stated. “It will be addressed. Similarly, pedestrian crossings in school zones need to be elevated. As safety of children is of paramount importance, this work will be prioritised in the Public Works road maintenance plan.”