Government applauded for approach to homelessness
A charity helping the homeless has applauded the Government for tackling the problem through a collaborative approach.
Denise Carey, the chief executive officer of Home, also praised Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, for her leadership in bringing various groups together.
Last month Ms Furbert said that the Government had been working with stakeholder groups to develop a co-ordinated strategy. She added that a steering committee was now working on devising an “holistic plan”.
Today, Ms Carey said that the minister had “shone a light on the national collaborative effort to make progress happen”.
She said: “We are thankful for minister Furbert’s leadership and advocacy in helping to develop this plan, which represents a community declaration of intent to end the preventable human tragedy of homelessness in Bermuda.”
Ms Carey said the steering committee was made up of representatives from several charities and groups, including Home, the Salvation Army, Teen Haven and the Bermuda Housing Corporation.
It is supported by an advisory panel consisting of herself and Ms Furbert and a host of individuals.
Tinée Furbert; Denise Carey; Justice Juan Wolffe, JP, Supreme Court of Bermuda; John Barritt, Bermuda Housing Trust; Dwayne Caines, CEO, Corporation of Hamilton; Sheelagh Cooper Habitat for Humanity; Sara Clifford, Human Rights Commission; Aaron Crichlow, Bermuda is Love; Pandora Glasford, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and the Cabinet Office; Andrew Dias, West End Development Corporation (Wedco; Kirk Outerbridge, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works; Paul Martin, Bermuda Housing Corporation; Laurie Shiell, Centre Against Abuse; Senator Lindsay Simmons, JP, Foster Care Association; Keechia Tuckett, Health Insurance Department; Lester Ward, Salvation Army.
Ms Carey said: “Representatives joined other government agencies and community partners to work together for months to detail the case for change.
“The immense support we have seen from so many fellow charities, helping agencies, businesses, donors and volunteers in the two years since Home opened its doors has been truly humbling,” Ms Carey said.
The group Bermuda is Love has also launched a Housing4All campaign to address the problem of homelessness and advocate for the right to housing for all.
It will run events this month as part of its campaign to highlight and talk about ways to bring an end to homelessness.
Each event is free to attend and no registration is needed.
October 7: volunteer at home’s Black Circle, 36 Union Street, from 10am to midday
October 10: World Homeless Day recognition at City Hall from midday to 1pm
October 14: volunteer at the Transformational Living Centre for Families, 28 Parson’s Road, Pembroke, from 10am to midday
October 17: panel discussion Ending Homelessness in Bermuda at Bermuda College, Lecture Theatre G301, from 6pm to 8pm
October 21: volunteer at Teen Haven, 4 Happy Valley Road, Pembroke, from 10am to midday
October 24: free legal advice clinic for landlords and tenants at The Sammy Wilson Central Zone Community Centre, 3 Angle Street, from 6pm to 8pm
October 28: volunteer at The Salvation Army, 5 Marsh Lane, Pembroke, from 10am to midday
“Minister Furbert has put her shoulder to the wheel to maintain momentum, inspire unity and make this plan a reality. Her compassion for those experiencing homelessness is evident and we are grateful for the Government’s support.”
The advisory group is seeking public input through a community survey on homelessness ahead of World Homeless Day on October 10.
The survey is posted on the Government’s Bermuda Citizens Forum website here.
According to research conducted by Home, there are about 650 homeless people on the island. To learn more about the charity, or to donate, click here.
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