Collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, is needed to address homelessness, Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said yesterday.

In a “robust” communications drive aimed at increasing awareness of the issue, Mr Gosling said homelessness has been a top priority for the Corporation of Hamilton.

"The City of Hamilton recognises homelessness as one of the most pressing issues facing our community. Over the past five years, addressing homelessness has become a top priority as we strive to create safe spaces and explore holistic solutions tailored to Bermuda's unique challenges," he said.

He expressed optimism about the results if all hands are on deck to tackle the issue, with input from government agencies, the Chamber of Commerce and charitable organisations.

The corporation’s awareness campaign supports the efforts of Home, the charity that has been working to address the issue.

In its awareness campaign, the corporation said it will “employ a diverse range of communication channels, including press releases, media interviews, street and bus banners, online and newspaper advertising, videos, social media infographics and public surveys.”

Mr Gosling encouraged residents to “educate themselves on homelessness and support organisations with proven track records in providing essential services".

He said a “tangible difference” would result if resources are put in place to support existing social welfare programmes, such as those offered by the Salvation Army and Home.

The Corporation of Hamilton has been working collaboratively with its stakeholders to address vagrancy “whether that be through our continued in-kind sponsorship or further direct financial donations”.

Mr Gosling said the corporation has identified its “role and limitations” in addressing homelessness.

“The primary responsibility of the City is to create a safe and liveable City. We are not a legislative body; that is the sole remit of Parliament. We are not an enforcement body, and neither are we a social services body,” the mayor said.

He said the corporation welcomes the support of the Government in addressing homelessness, and he added that it is prepared to assist, if called upon.

Mr Gosling commended the efforts of Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, in addressing the issue.

“What the minister has done is made a commitment, and I think that is wonderful, that is great, and the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. Let’s say well done and what can I do to take second steps,” he told The Royal Gazette.

While giving a background of the issue, Mr Gosling said the corporation has been addressing instances of homelessness for the past ten years.

He said the efforts were mainly to “bring together the different organisations that deal with this particular issue, whether it is the Department of Health, Social Services, the police, a number of charities, the churches.”

He said in the past progress had been made in addressing the issue, but those efforts suffered a setback during the pandemic. “Unfortunately with the lockdown, it just went out the door, and it has been a slightly different world since then,” he said.

Mr Gosling said the corporation does not have a health or social services department, but he offered assurances that it will give its all in tackling homelessness.

“Right now, we are just trying to bring about awareness of what the situation is and also the various ways in which people can help through making donations or contributing their time even better to a number of the charities and NGOs,” he said.

Mr Gosling reiterated that it is important for all stakeholders to recognise that homelessness needs to be addressed.

“For most people, you do not have a problem until you actually identify it as a problem. There are a lot of people who are just putting up with a situation, and when something becomes a problem, people start looking for a solution,” he added.