Emergency housing for the island’s unsheltered population must be made “the default option for anyone with complex needs who is experiencing homelessness”.

Bermuda is Love, a community group, issued recommendations to the Government after joining the charity Home for a panel on ending homelessness held this week at the Bermuda College.

Home, in its first report issued last year, regards the problem as “a public-services matter rather than solely a housing issue”, with a Housing First programme offering “a home, care and triage centre for cohorts of eight high-risk homeless individuals every ten weeks”.

Bermuda is Love highlighted remarks in the House of Assembly last month by Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, on drawing up a plan to end homelessness on the island.

The group called her ministerial statement evidence of “strong political commitment” worthy of support, and recommended the appointment of a national director overseeing Housing First.

Bermuda is Love said targets for Housing First should be set, with a government investment in the supply of new housing units.

A survey last year by Home identified a local population of 650 people without a roof over their heads.

The charity acknowledged that demand outpaced its capacity but insisted the work remained a necessity.

Bermuda is Love called for Housing First to get tracked, with data published on its outcomes.

It also recommended that “affordability tests do not bar people who have experienced homelessness from rented tenancies”.

The group is hosting a series of events through this month to raise the profile of homelessness, with Aaron Crichlow, a cofounder, calling it “not just a personal issue, but a societal one”.