HOME Appeals For Community Support
HOME, the registered charity [1022] working to end homelessness in Bermuda, is thanking donors for support of significant successes in 2022—and encouraging community giving to help the homeless through the critical holiday season.
“We have met so many people struggling for support this year while living outside and thanks to the support we’ve received, they have been able to leave barns, beaches, cars, and parks, to move inside,” said HOME’s CEO & Executive Director Denise Carey. “The journey is not easy, but it is necessary. We encourage every resident of Bermuda to join us and assist this effort in any way.”
Keishen Bean, Case Manager; Arthur Wightman, Board Chair; Jean-Ann Hayward, Head of Operations; Vaughn Burrows, Case Manager; Aaron Williams, Case Manager; Denise Carey, Executive Director; Lynette Webb, Case Manager
The spokesperson said, “Launched September 30, 2021, HOME was established to put an end to homelessness in Bermuda. Since then, it has worked closely with the Bermuda government, non-governmental agencies, charities, philanthropies, and the religious and wider local community, promoting inter-agency cooperation and coordination among all the island’s services to tackle homelessness.”
“The current cost-of-living crisis is forcing Bermudians to make impossible decisions, increasing the risk of many more finding themselves in a state of homelessness,” said HOME Chair Arthur Wightman. “Yet within this desperate context, we find reasons for optimism. Our clients are working hard to build better lives for themselves, and they have demonstrated that, with the right support, they can find their rightful place as contributing members of our community.
“We are thankful for everyone who has leaned in to our mission, including donors, volunteers, government and non-government agencies, and members of the community who want change and are prepared to do something about it,” he added. “As we move forward, it is my sincere hope this initial support quickly becomes an impassioned community demanding permanent change and justice.”
The spokesperson said, “Numerous Bermuda-based companies, organizations, and individuals have contributed to HOME’s work during 2022. Participating firms include: Aeolus Capital Management, AIG, Allied World, Appleby Bermuda, Ascot Group, Aspen Bermuda, BF&M, Butterfield & Vallis, Carey Olsen, CG Insurance, Conduit Holdings, Convex, Deloitte Bermuda, Digicel, Enstar, Green Family, Greymane, Jardine Matheson, Lancashire Insurance, Liberty Group, MS Amlin, Ocorian Law, PricewaterhouseCoopers, QBE Insurance, RenaissanceRe, Sun Life, Bank of Butterfield, Wakefield Quin, XL Foundation, and Zurich Bermuda.
“Philanthropic foundations and trusts have also supported HOME, including: Apex Foundation, Bermuda Community Foundation, Buchanan Foundation, Buchanan Friendship Foundation, Centennial Foundation, and Friends of Christ Church Warwick Trust. As well, HOME has benefitted from the generosity of individual donors and family offices who have stepped forward in meaningful ways to play their part in ending homelessness, as well as both the Anglican Cathedral and Christ Church Warwick feeding programmes. Tremendous support has also been received from the West End Development Corporation [WedCo] and the Bermuda Industrial Union [BIU], along with donations of gifts in kind from the St. George’s Club, H & H Plumbing, and The Hustle Truck.”
“We are so grateful to members of our community who have supported our collective effort to raise awareness around the tragedy of homelessness in Bermuda, and have shared love through phone calls, baked goods and donations—from vital financial support to gifts of pillows, sheets, and household items,” said Carey.
The spokesperson said, “HOME has been able to deliver on two core goals so far this year, thanks to donor support:
- Implementation of a data-driven, cloud-based case management system to facilitate collaboration between all agency stakeholders by gathering insights and administering delivery of support to clients. The new coordinated system ensures real-time data is gathered to help effectively allocate resources, services, and programs and allows case workers to quickly identify, assess, and refer people to appropriate programs and services
- Continued development of a single plan to end homelessness. The plan, in liaison with other agencies and supported by the Ministry of Social Development & Seniors, connects all stakeholders working in the sphere, to ensure every agency delivers on mutual goals
“Since the beginning of 2022, HOME has also:
- Identified over 620 people experiencing homelessness in Bermuda
- Prevented more than 70 cases of homelessness through liaison with government agencies and other non-profit services
- Ended 52 existing cases of homelessness, transitioning individuals from rough sleeping to independent living
- Registered a total of 620 clients for assistance
- Provided intensive case management support to 62 previously homeless people
“We thank our landlords who have joined this important effort to house Bermuda’s vulnerable and are working with us,” added Carey. “Every contribution has allowed us to deliver on our mission and strengthen our commitment to end homelessness in Bermuda.”
The spokesperson said, “Should you wish to help end homelessness, donations can be made directly at www.home.bm/donate or by contacting our development officer at development@home.bm or 599-9932.”
Well dine chaurman and staff. I see a documentary on how to on top of problems. The world will benefit. Hoe you have quarterly meetings with Salvationarg Army etc to share ideas.