HOME Charity Releases Annual Report
HOME, the registered charity working to end homelessness in Bermuda, released its annual report for 2022, its first full year of operations, noting that they identified 650 homeless people in Bermuda, opened a purpose-designed facility and launched a programme to help people experiencing homelessness.
A spokesperson said, “The report details HOME’s strategic priorities, actions taken, and outcomes achieved, as well as its plans for 2023 and beyond, along with audited financial statements.
“During 2022, HOME:
- “Identified 650 homeless people in Bermuda
- “Found homes for 52 formerly homeless people
- “Prevented 70 new cases of homelessness
- “Took on 70 clients and provided intensive case management to 24
- “Opened a purpose-designed facility and launched a programme to help people experiencing homelessness to return to sustainable, settled, and independent living
- “Co-sponsored, with the Ministry of Social Development & Seniors, the development of a single plan to end homelessness and commenced significant collaborative efforts with stakeholders across the entire social services ecosystem
- “Launched an integrated case-management system for adoption by service providers across the broader system
- “Developed relationships with some local employers who provided opportunities for clients to perform community service and paid work.
“Since its launch in September 2021, HOME has promoted system-wide collaboration and worked closely with the Bermuda government, non-governmental agencies, charities, philanthropies, and the religious and wider local community to track, reduce and end homelessness.
“It’s been a privilege to meet and help so many people who have shown the courage and determination to overcome their struggles and commit to a better tomorrow,” said Denise Carey, HOME’s CEO & Executive Director.
“Thanks to our tireless and dedicated team, our wonderful volunteers, and supportive donors, we have already helped many individuals to turn their lives around. But demand for our services exceeds the capacity of our small team. Every week, we receive calls seeking an emergency response to a personal housing crisis, which emphasizes the need for a whole-system approach to tackle homelessness.”
“Last year, HOME moved into Black Circle, on Union Street, Hamilton, a facility with eight bedrooms, a kitchen, plus indoor and outdoor communal areas, as well as HOME’s administrative offices. Black Circle is the base for HOME’s Housing-First programme, providing a home, care, and triage centre for cohorts of eight people experiencing homelessness every 10 weeks. Each client is assigned a case manager to help them acquire health services, open bank accounts, secure accommodation and gain employment opportunities, as they work their way back to sustainable independent living.
“The plan to end homelessness treats homelessness as a public-services matter rather than solely a housing issue. It is being refined through extensive consultation with key stakeholders, with the aim of starting implementation this year.
“Everyone deserves a home and that is what we must deliver together,” Arthur Wightman, HOME Chair, said. “From the outset, we recognized the power and necessity of a whole-system response to homelessness. Not just the government, not just HOME, not just other important stakeholders but all of us, unified around a single purpose of ending homelessness, and delivering on that purpose in coordinated way.”
“To that end, I would like to thank Minister Tinee Furbert, JP MP, and recognise her leadership, compassion, and support as we all work together in our shared mission. More broadly, I want to convey the gratitude, energy, and optimism of our Board of Directors and to thank Denise for her selfless and exceptional leadership, and of course, our dedicated HOME team.”
“A coordinated, community-wide response is increasingly urgent, as the cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages are raising the risk of homelessness for many. In our first full year of operation, we have been heartened by the support of the Bermuda government, agencies, donors, and volunteers, who are working with us to effect positive change. Our hope is that we, as a society, will come together to refuse to accept homelessness any longer. We trust the evidence gathered around the world that proves in most cases homelessness is preventable, and in every single case it can be ended.”
“HOME aspires to be a top-decile-performing charity, and takes a businesslike approach, practising strong governance under a high-quality board of volunteer directors, basing its actions on data and evidence, and measuring its own performance against global benchmarks, as detailed in the report. HOME also measures itself against World Economic Forum stakeholder capitalism metrics, including those around greenhouse gas emissions, pay equality, and board diversity.
“One client testimonial in the annual report from a former rough sleeper who entered HOME’s Housing-First programme, reads: “HOME helped restore my faith in myself…they have respect for us guys and that helped me to respect myself. I have been inside for 119 days, the longest I have been in for years. I got a job and I am on my way to independence.”
“If 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.
The full Home Annual Report 2022 is here [PDF].
