Minister Updates On Salvation Army Shelter
Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch provided an update on the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter on North Street in Hamilton.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, the Minister said, “In December of last year I, along with the Honourable member from Constituency 4 – the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Honourable Tinee Furbert had the privilege of announcing the opening of the new accommodation at the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter on North Street in Hamilton.
“There I had the chance to tour these two new facilities that helped usher a rejuvenation in the partnership between the Government and the Salvation Army not only to ensure that our most vulnerable are protected, but to demonstrate that this Government leads by example in the fight for a more equitable society.
“Today, the two new buildings – now under Salvation Army management – are suitable for housing fourteen persons at a time in each facility, bringing the total available new beds to twenty-eight.
“While the project was completed late and over budget as explained. But it is still a cause for celebration – the work is done to an outstanding quality and raises the bar for the way we cater to those in need of shelter. I am particularly delighted that we have been able to deliver on our commitment to the Salvation Army and those in need.
“I’d like to thank all those involved in the construction of this project but particularly – BHC Project Manager – Mr. Keino Furbert-Jacobs for all the work he has done on this project over the last 3 years from researching the replacement buildings, securing planning approvals, organizing the bidding for the work, managing contractors, dealing with supply chain issues and all the other things that crop up during a project such as this.:
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to say simply our homeless people deserve shelter and this Government – with the able assistance of the Salvation Army – is doing its part in providing quality transitional housing and support programmes for the most vulnerable in our society.
Mr. Speaker, as members may recall, in December of last year I, along with the Honourable member from Constituency 4 – the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Honourable Tinee Furbert had the privilege of announcing the opening of the new accommodation at the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter on North Street in Hamilton.
There I had the chance to tour these two new facilities that helped usher a rejuvenation in the partnership between the Government and the Salvation Army not only to ensure that our most vulnerable are protected, but to demonstrate that this Government leads by example in the fight for a more equitable society.
Today, the two new buildings – now under Salvation Army management – are suitable for housing fourteen persons at a time in each facility, bringing the total available new beds to twenty-eight.
Mr. Speaker, this commitment to support not only the Salvation Army, but other charitable organisations as well should and must transcend partisan politics.
Mr. Speaker, this initiative actually commenced in 2019 upon my first meeting with the former Divisional Commander, Major Sandra Stokes. In this meeting, it was detailed that the Shelter on North Street was in need of urgent repairs and upgrades.
At that time it was acknowledged that successive Governments have not always supported the work of the Army both financially and with repairs to this site. I hope all can admit, this had to be changed.
Thus in October 2019, Civil Engineers within the Ministry carried out a structural assessment of the buildings and agreed that only a few needed to be demolished and replaced, while others required some upgrading.
Mr. Speaker, the first phase of refurbishment of this project was spearheaded by two local philanthropists – Mr. Jim Butterfield and Mr. Kirk Kitson – who through their effort and contribution to this worthy cause, made those works possible.
The Government of Bermuda, through the Bermuda Housing Corporation, engaged in a Public-Private Partnership with the aforementioned philanthropists to rehabilitate and refurbish the Shelter buildings. It was agreed that the Government would match the funding that was raised by them to upgrade the facility.
Therefore Mr. Speaker in April 2020, a $1 million dollar grant was allocated for the upgrading of the Salvation Army shelter in the 2020/21 Budget. Whist, the total estimated price for this project was $1,912,000.00.
Mr. Speaker, a methodical approach was undertaken to repair the salvageable buildings one at a time – while the buildings that were beyond repair were to be demolished. Simultaneously, while building works were in progress, consideration was given on what style of replacement building would be ideal for the site. Many transitional housing options were considered. The Salvation Army and BHC agreed on what the replacement buildings would be – the new container building design.
In addition Mr. Speaker, along with the two new builds as mentioned before, the overall initiative saw two residential buildings housing the men and women of the Shelter being remodelled. Whilst the central building housing the Administration staff, common areas, and the kitchen was repaired.
Once these retrofits were complete, attention was then turned to the new builds but – as we all remember – the COVID-19 pandemic came upon our shores and progress was slowed for a year during shelter in place and lock downs. Work progressed albeit sluggishly with Plans being drawn, sourcing of containers completed, surveying of the property, demolition of the old units, consultation with the departments of Planning, Health, Environment and the Fire Service finalised, building supplies sourced, piling engineering preparation and finally construction beginning in September 2021.
Mr. Speaker, with the completion of the project in December 2022 – the total amount the Government actually committed for this initiative was $1,820,000.00 over the three year period. Yes, over budget and this is attributed to the material rate increases of 50% – 150% in 2021-2022, and greater than 150% in early 2022. The specific breakdown of costs are as follows:
- Labour and engineering: $636,960.17;
- Pile foundations: $551,580.75;
- Local materials: $372,633.00; and
- Overseas materials + shipping: $258,826.08
Mr. Speaker, the myriad of challenges that were encountered over the course of the project that derived from Covid and global supply chain included – increase costs for paint, steel, lumber, plumbing, electrical, door hardware, adhesives, etc. Delivery times were stretched beyond anticipation due to the high demand for materials. Additionally, local labour resources were already stretched as contractors were busy on various sites throughout the island.
However, Mr. Speaker through all of this – our commitment remained steadfast in ensuring that our most vulnerable are protected by providing quality transitional housing and support programmes for our people.
So yes Mr. Speaker, while the project was completed late and over budget as explained. But it is still a cause for celebration – the work is done to an outstanding quality and raises the bar for the way we cater to those in need of shelter. I am particularly delighted that we have been able to deliver on our commitment to the Salvation Army and those in need.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank all those involved in the construction of this project but particularly – BHC Project Manager – Mr. Keino Furbert-Jacobs for all the work he has done on this project over the last 3 years from researching the replacement buildings, securing planning approvals, organizing the bidding for the work, managing contractors, dealing with supply chain issues and all the other things that crop up during a project such as this.
Mr. Speaker, we have set the standard for the type of cooperation that should exist between the Salvation Army and the Government of Bermuda – which every government going forward should honour.
Thank You Mr. Speaker!
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