HOME Charity Releases 2025 Annual Report
HOME, the registered charity working to end homelessness in Bermuda, has released its 2025 Annual Report, “outlining significant achievements in helping a widening demographic of people access stable, independent living over the past year—but also highlighting the urgent need for more affordable housing.”
A spokesperson said, “HOME’s annual tracking of data from numerous agencies indicates there were 1,331 people experiencing homelessness at the end of 2025—an increase of 230 individuals from a year earlier. Put into context, the figure means an estimated two percent of Bermuda’s population is experiencing homelessness.”
“Our team of young professionals continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to ending homelessness, and in 2025 this was reflected most clearly through the growth of new partnerships with dedicated private property owners,” said HOME CEO Denise Carey. ““Our community is beginning to show what evidence from other jurisdictions has repeatedly proven: real, lasting progress happens when we work together. To create sustainable change, we must collaborate with government, the nonprofit sector, donors, and engaged private community members. Together, we can build the solutions needed to end homelessness for good.”
“Our mission has always been about more than providing shelter. It is about restoring dignity, hope and opportunity,” noted Arthur Wightman, HOME’s Founder and Non-Executive Chair: “This year, we have witnessed countless stories of perseverance and mutual support among our clients. From small acts of kindness to moments of profound personal growth, every achievement is a celebration of their courage in the face of adversity.”
A spokesperson added, “Among its achievements during 2025, HOME:
- Sustainably ended homelessness for 32 people
- Prevented 48 new cases of homelessness
- Helped 25 people find jobs
- Took on 355 new clients and provided intensive case management to 45
- Provided accommodation to 19 rough sleepers during winter months
- Partnered with 147 landlords to house those who had experienced homelessness
- Employed 16 Bermudians and provided contract work to a further 29
- Developed relationships with 42 new strategic donors
- Worked with more than 450 volunteers who generously supported our mission
“Notably, HOME continued to operate a Housing-First programme from its Black Circle, Pembroke property, providing shelter, care, and triage for five cohorts of single men through 2025, each group comprising eight individuals. The year brought the total number of cohorts assisted by HOME to 17 since the program’s 2022 launch. The charity also operated HOME for Families, providing shelter and support for six housing-insecure women and dependent children, ensuring mothers secured employment and developed financial independence, while receiving life skills support and a nurturing, safe environment for families.
“HOME launched its Renting Ready initiative in 2025, preparing and training participants to become more responsible tenants and landlords. The organisation also led the first “Ending Homelessness Together” forum to mark World Homeless Day last October 10, including panel discussions, and presentations by Minister of Youth, Social Development & Seniors Tinée Furbert and Supreme Court Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe.
“And HOME continued to drive the Plan to End Homelessness toward implementation, working closely with the government and numerous social services throughout the community. A national roadmap for turning strategic goals into tasks and timelines, the plan details resources, budgets, risks, and roles to ensure alignment across government and non-government agencies.
“Yet HOME’s annual report notes the number of people experiencing different levels of homelessness continues to rise—a trend the organisation has tracked since launch in 2021, when its first survey registered 555 individuals as Bermuda’s homeless population. That figure rose to 650 in 2022, 811 in 2023, 1,101 in 2024, and 1,331 by the end of last year. Bermuda’s housing-shortage and cost-of-living crises are combining to exacerbate the increase, HOME noted.
“Data includes only those individuals for whom there has been direct or confirmed contact through a partner agency on the island, not statistical projections. Net new cases of homelessness in 2025 of 230 individuals is attributed to a combination of new cases, as well as previously “hidden homeless” being found, and cases of recidivism minus cases where an individual’s homelessness ended.”
“While so much has been accomplished,” said Carey, “the lack of safe, secure social or affordable housing is the most critical issue facing our collective mission to end homelessness.”
Personal testimonials from HOME clients feature in the 2025 report. “HOME has been a huge part of my stability,” said one. “From financial assistance application support and guidance on accessing food donors, to help registering with the Bermuda Housing Corporation, HOME gave me support. Sometimes all a person needs is a helping hand.” Added another: “Today, I am thriving in independent housing and working full-time, and I could not have done it without HOME’s support.”
“The Board of Directors is deeply gratified by the exceptional work our team,” said Wightman. “The results are noteworthy—the impact on human life and the system as a whole are inspiring and significant in equal measure. Huge thanks must extend to all our community partners and the donor community for their shared commitment to ending homelessness in Bermuda. We remain optimistic about ending homelessness in Bermuda—though we also recognize there is so much more work to be done. We invite the greater Bermuda community to join us in this endeavour.”
A spokesperson added, “To learn more about HOME, or to donate, visit the website, www.home.bm.”
The full HOME Annual Report 2025 follows below [PDF here]:
