Photos & Video: Astor House Facility Opens
Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert, along with representatives from the charity Home and various other stakeholders, held a press conference today [June 25] to officially open the Astor House transitional living facility.
“Astor House is not simply a residence, but a practical expression of what partnership can achieve when Government and the community sector work together with purpose,” the Minister said.
“This programme has been brought forward through the leadership of the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors and the Attorney-General’s Office, working with the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Justice, and HOME.
“It is also a direct product of the partnership between the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors and HOME, and I want that partnership to be clearly acknowledged today.
“What we see here today is the foundation from which other progress becomes possible. Because without a safe place to sleep, without support to manage daily responsibilities, and without someone to help connect the pieces, it becomes much harder for anyone to maintain employment, repair family relationships, and move forward more healthily.
“Residents here; will be on licence and supervised by a dedicated Court Services Parole Officer, while also receiving coordinated support from a HOME Case Manager and the House Parent. That combination of housing, supervision, case management and daily support is what makes this programme different.”
Minister Furbert’s remarks:
Good morning.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Senator the Honourable Kim Wilkerson, Superintendent Jason Smith of the Bermuda Police Service, Ms Denise Carey, members of the HOME Board and team, colleagues from Government, community partners, members of the media, families and friends, thank you for joining us today.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Astor House, and to open this important moment in the life of a programme that speaks directly to the cross ministry work: supporting people through challenge, strengthening families, protecting dignity, and building a Bermuda where no person is written off because of their circumstances.
Astor House is not simply a residence, but a practical expression of what partnership can achieve when Government and the community sector work together with purpose.
This programme has been brought forward through the leadership of the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors and the Attorney-General’s Office, working with the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Justice, and HOME.
It is also a direct product of the partnership between the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors and HOME, and I want that partnership to be clearly acknowledged today.
What we see here today is the foundation from which other progress becomes possible. Because without a safe place to sleep, without support to manage daily responsibilities, and without someone to help connect the pieces, it becomes much harder for anyone to maintain employment, repair family relationships, and move forward more healthily.
That is why the Government has invested in this work. This investment is not just about renovating a building. We want to create a structured home environment where men leaving corrections, or men under community supervision with complex needs, can receive accommodation and intensive support services during a critical period of transition.
Residents here; will be on licence and supervised by a dedicated Court Services Parole Officer, while also receiving coordinated support from a HOME Case Manager and the House Parent.
That combination of housing, supervision, case management and daily support is what makes this programme different.
I want to give special recognition to Ms Denise Carey and the team at HOME.
Denise has been a steady and determined leader in the work to end homelessness in Bermuda, and HOME has shown what it means to meet people where they are; while still helping them move toward stability, independence and dignity.
Their experience with people facing homelessness, housing insecurity, trauma, and complex personal needs has been essential to shaping Astor House into a real support system, not just a place with beds.
As Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, I am proud as everyone here should be today; to bring this initiative forward.
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this day possible. I look forward to the work ahead, and to seeing Astor House become a place where lives are steadied, families are strengthened, and men are given a fair opportunity to return to the community with dignity and responsibility.
Thank you.
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