The public overwhelmingly support action to address homelessness in Bermuda.

However, they expressed concern about funding people who were unwilling to help themselves.

Denise Carey, the executive director of the charity Home, told attendees of a public meeting last night that those who took part in public consultation for the Draft Plan to End Homelessness supported the initiative.

However, she added: “What they did say overwhelmingly was that they don’t want to use their hard-earned money to support people who are not willing or able to support themselves.”

She said that there had been some suggestions for fund development, including that interested members of the public be encouraged to donate $1 a day or a “round-up” drive at businesses.

“When there is an international disaster in another country, sometimes one or more of our grocery stores will ask customers if they would round up for another country,” Ms Carey said.

“A suggestion was made that we try approaching all businesses from gas stations to restaurants to hotels and make it a part of our culture where we ask if we would round up so the funds can go organisations that are providing services to the homeless.”

She added that it had also been suggested that private donors were approached and asked to match donations received from the Government.

Ms Carey said another suggestion was to find ways to employ individuals receiving support, noting that some of those who are homeless have skills that may be needed to get spaces ready.

“We have masons, tilers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and these people also need to get fed, so there are opportunities for people who cook to provide meals for those who are providing labour,” she said.

Ms Carey said that based on consultation and public feedback, the top priority was determined to be a rapid end to rough sleeping and high-risk homelessness.

Part of that process would be the registration of everyone on the island who falls into one of the 13 categories of homelessness so that it can be determined how much housing is required in the short term and the long term.

Ms Carey said: “Are we going to focus on bringing 100 units online for ten years, or make a more concerted effort to bring 200 units a year for five years?”

The second priority was establishing a systematic approach to homelessness and intervention monitoring, proposing a “one front door” approach for clients with helping services working together.

Ms Carey said that one part of that process could be mandatory reporting by service providers of those who are homeless.

She said that bodies are required to report cases involving seniors or children, but there was no such requirement for those between the ages of 18 and 65.

A systematic approach would also involve a cloud-based management system with client consent to avoid the duplication of effort and making it easier for clients.

The work could also include legislative changes, either through stand-alone legislation or amendments to existing Acts.

Ms Carey said a component of that would be re-examination of landlord and tenant rights to better protect both parties.

The third selected priority was ensuring that there was sufficient accessible and affordable housing and welfare entitlements.

As part of that work, she said, a team was looking at government-owned and privately owned properties, including properties that have been “abandoned”.

Tineé Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, urged attendees to get involved and do their part in the effort to end homelessness in Bermuda.

“Our hope is that we create a pathway where we are able to house people a lot quicker than we are today,” she said. “There are people who are not willing to house people with mental illness, so what other choice do they have but to be on the street?

“When we say everyone has to take this to heart, everyone has to take this seriously, that is what we are saying. Because if not, we will continue to be part of the problem.”