Video: Minister Furbert Press Conference
Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert held a press conference alongside Keishen Bean, Chair of the Multi-Disciplinary Case Management Committee and Supervising Case Manager at HOME Bermuda, and Dr. Tiffanne Thomas, Deputy Chair of the Multi-Disciplinary Case Management Committee.
Dr. Tiffanne Thomas, Minister Tinee Furbert, Keishen Bean, and Denise Carey- CEO/Executive Director of HOME Bermuda
Minister Furbert’s remarks:
Good afternoon, everyone.
Thank you for being here today. I want you to think of a parent, someone who may work one or two jobs, they take care of their child/children, but they have just been served eviction papers. They have done everything right: they work, they’ve paid rent on time for years, but an unexpected medical expense tipped the scales, or their work hours had been reduced and put them behind on their rent. Now with nowhere to go, the parent and child/children now face homelessness. Not just the loss of a home, but the loss of stability, dignity, and hope.
The scenario described earlier is not unique to Bermuda nor uncommon.
Homelessness in Bermuda does not always look like someone sleeping on a bench or under a tree. It can be someone staying temporarily on a friend’s couch, a family sleeping in a car, or a person staying in an abandoned property or area because there is simply nowhere else. Homelessness, in all its forms, is a reality for far too many in our community.
2024 Data tracking from HOME by direct contact or contact through another agency indicates the operational categories of homelessness are:
- 244 persons roofless, for example those living in the streets or public spaces without a secure shelter that can be defined as living quarters
- 424 persons were houseless for example persons who have been released from institutions or temporary accommodations such as shelters but having no housing available prior to release. Hence they need to stay longer than needed due to lack of housing.
- 200 persons resided in insecure housing, that is, temporarily living with family/friends, or living under the threat of an eviction.
- 233 persons living in inadequate housing conditions, such as makeshift shelters, a garage, barn, etc.
This is why today’s announcement matters so much.
I am deeply gratified to collaborate with the charity HOME Bermuda, a partner who shares our Ministry’s vision of a Bermuda where every person is housed, safe, and supported.
In alignment with the Government’s objective of building a fairer Bermuda for everyone and supporting Bermudians through all stages of life, The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors is proud to formally announce a new partnership with the charitable organisation HOME, through which we have granted $147,000 to support the creation and operation of the Rental Support Services [Emergency Subsidy] Pilot Programme.
This pilot programme was made possible through the September 2024 supplementary budget and is part of our broader strategy to expand social services and address housing insecurity in a meaningful way.
Our goal is to prevent homelessness before it begins. To ensure that people facing sudden eviction, unsafe housing, or unstable housing situations have access to immediate emergency rental support. This includes help with a first month’s rent or deposit, often the most significant barrier to securing accommodation. This is support that cannot wait weeks or months – it must come when the need is urgent.
This initiative directly supports Section 8 of the Strategic Plan to End Homelessness in Bermuda, helping us identify and intervene before people fall through the cracks. HOME already operates Rent Support Services, and they will oversee the implementation of this pilot, including the management of all grant disbursements in a way that ensures accountability, timeliness, and compassion.
The broader context matters here. Around the world, similar programmes, whether called Rent Banks in Canada or Eviction Diversion in Australia, have proven effective. In some countries, such as Italy, rent relief is even legislated following eviction proceedings. Though the models may vary, the principle is the same: people deserve to stay housed, even when life takes an unexpected turn.
What makes this initiative special is the exit strategy it includes. Our support is not simply a handout, but a steppingstone; there will be proper hardship and housing assessment and landlord and tenant education. Whether someone stays in their current housing, transitions to new accommodation, or is able to return to a safer version of where they were before, the aim is to create long-term housing stability even after the emergency support concludes.
We want the people of Bermuda to know that you are not alone. Government is here. Support is here as we work towards the improvement of living circumstances. Through this pilot, we are taking one more step toward a country where housing is a right, not a privilege.
Let me end where I began, with that parent. They are now in secure housing. The child/children are not displaced; in a space they can call home. That is the impact we are working to create, support for mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, one family, one household, one person at a time.
I would now like to invite our partners from HOME to share the details of how the application process will work, and how eligible persons can access this critical support.
Thank you.
Keishen Bean’s remarks:
Thank you for being here today. I’m honoured to speak on behalf of HOME and to stand alongside two valued partners in our quest to end homelessness: the Honourable Tinée Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development s Seniors, and Dr. Tiffanne Thomas, Deputy Chair of the Multi-Disciplinary Case Management Committee.
Those of us working on the front lines of homelessness know all too well that it is far more compassionate, and far less costly, to prevent homelessness than to cure it.
When a family or individual loses their home, and no affordable home is immediately available, the road back to stability can be long and difficult. But with the right interventions — at the right time — we can stop that slide before it starts. And that is what makes today’s announcement so important.
This Emergency Rental Subsidy is more than financial support — it is a lifeline. It has the potential to keep families together, to keep workers employed, and to keep children in school without disruption. It will help many people remain in their homes, where they belong.
The true measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. We must regard a home as a basic human right. And we must ensure that financial assistance is sufficient for people at risk of homelessness.
As laid out the Plan to End Homelessness, welfare entitlements should be set based on the actual cost of necessities, be available at the right point to prevent homelessness, and should take into account the specific needs of each individual. This approach will help to ensure people don’t have to be in a state of crisis before they qualify for help.
Families and individuals in urgent need require a streamlined financial assistance process that provides adequate support in the shortest time. When people lose their home, it is preventable. And taxpayers pay a heavy price, as homelessness strains social services, helping agencies, the criminal justice system, and the healthcare system.
This fund is designed to support families facing acute financial hardship on a time-limited basis. Our main goal is to prevent episodes of homelessness, which ultimately benefits not only the tenants but also landlords.
We recognize that landlords, often bound by mortgage agreements, can face significant financial strain if tenants are unable to pay rent. By stepping in with short-term support, we aim to protect both the housing stability of our tenants and the financial viability of landlords.
To be eligible for assistance, tenants must have a signed lease agreement, and the landlord must agree to the tenant continuing their tenancy in the apartment. This program differs from Financial Assistance services, which do excellent work supporting individuals over longer periods of time. Instead, this fund is focused on immediate, short-term intervention.
Funds are paid directly to service providers or landlords. Additionally, tenants who receive support are required to complete HOME’s “Renting Ready” program—a ten-week course designed to help tenants build skills to be successful and responsible renters.
To give you an idea of real-life situations where a referral will be considered:
- A tenant who has lived in their apartment for five years without issues but has recently fallen behind due to unexpected car trouble and medical problems. Their landlord is working with them, but they haven’t been able to pay rent for three months and need help to avoid eviction and remain in their home.
- An individual who has identified an apartment to move into but lacks funds for the security deposit.
Any one of our community partners can submit a referral for consideration. And we aim to provide a decision within 72 hours of receiving the referral.
We believe the Rent Support Hardship Fund can make a real difference in keeping individuals and families housed during difficult times, while also supporting the stability of our community’s rental market.
It is imperative that we work together – the Government, third sector, social services and the wider community – to identify those on a path to homelessness in time to intervene. Too often, we at HOME receive a call for help when someone is on the brink of eviction, too late to prevent them from losing their home.
On behalf of HOME, I would like to thank Minister Furbert for her leadership and commitment to preventing homelessness.
I also wish to extend deep appreciation to our dedicated partners in this mission, including: The Salvation Army, Teen Services, STAR, Dignity House, Solstice, the Women’s Resource Centre, the Centre Against Abuse, the Department of Court Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health, and the Department of Financial Assistance.
Each of you plays a vital role in this work, and we are grateful for your collaboration.
By deciding not to tolerate homelessness in Bermuda any more, and by moving forward with a shared purpose, we can build a Bermuda where everyone has a place to call home.
Thank you.
Dr. Tiffanne Thomas’ remarks:
It is an honour to be here today to celebrate what I truly believe is a transformative investment in our community. This grant represents more than just financial support it represents hope, opportunity, and progress.
At the heart of this initiative is collaboration. It is only through meaningful partnerships such as those between government, non-profits, the private sector, and the community that we can build systems that truly work. Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it is a lifeline. It ensures that we are not duplicating efforts but instead aligning our strengths and resources to maximize outcomes.
Ultimately, the true beneficiaries of this grant are those who need our support the most. This grant will allow us to reach further, respond faster, and provide more comprehensive support to some of our most vulnerable citizens. Let this be a reminder of what is possible when we come together with a shared purpose. I am proud to be part of this work and excited about the doors this will open for so many in our community.
