Members of a community group called upon residents to join them as they launched a drive to end homelessness on the island.

Bermuda Is Love will host a series of events this month as part of its #Housing4All campaign, where talks will cover challenges and practical solutions.

The campaign came as, separately, the Government opened a survey on community perceptions of homelessness.

Aaron Crichlow, a cofounder of Bermuda Is Love, said: “Homelessness is not just a personal issue, but a societal one.

“It affects us all, and we all have a role to play.

“Let us work together as a community to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home and end homelessness in Bermuda.”

Mr Crichlow said: “Everyone needs good-quality housing to live and thrive in and having a home is central to every aspect of our wellbeing, from health to educational attainment to happiness.

“Yet in Bermuda there are hundreds of people who are experiencing homelessness every day: persons who are living on the streets or sidewalks, or in makeshift encampments, without electricity or running water; persons doubling or tripling up with others and living in overcrowded homes that do not meet their basic needs.

“There are people sleeping rough, on a friend’s sofa, or living out of their own car.

“There are those who must choose between eating or paying rent. And there are persons who are discriminated against and prevented access to housing simply because of their identity.

“This is unacceptable. Housing is a human right.

“The right to housing is more than simply having a roof over one’s head. It is the right to live in safety and dignity in a decent home.

“It is integral to core human rights values such as equality, inclusion, wellbeing, security of the person and public participation.”

He added: “Bermuda Is Love advocates for the full realisation of the human right to housing to take place in Bermuda, so that no one ever again faces the threat of being made homeless.

“The housing crisis that we are facing today is a product of socioeconomic inequality and the unsustainable housing system that treats housing as a commodity, and not as a right.

“The right to housing therefore requires a cultural shift in the way housing is currently conceived, valued, produced and regulated in Bermuda.”

Mr Crichlow said events in October will provide opportunities to discuss solutions, best practices, and obstacles and gaps that hinder the possibility of housing for all.

They include film screenings, recognition of World Homeless Day, a panel discussion on ending homelessness and a free legal advice clinic for landlords and tenants.

A number of community volunteer days will also run at housing rights charities.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, said a survey launched by the Government this week aimed to “gather valuable insights and perspectives from the public to inform our strategies and actions”.

She added: “This survey marks a significant step in our shared commitment to addressing homelessness and making Bermuda a better place for all.”

The study was opened by the ministry in partnership with the Advisory Panel on Homelessness and the Steering Committee on Homelessness.

Ms Furbert said: “The Community Perceptions Survey on Homelessness in Bermuda is a critical initiative in our comprehensive plan to end homelessness in Bermuda.

“We believe that understanding the perceptions of our community is essential to creating effective solutions.

“We invite all Bermudians to participate and make their voices heard.”

Denise Carey, the executive officer of Home, added: “Our collaboration with the Bermuda Government underscores our shared dedication to addressing homelessness.

“This survey allows us to harness the power of community feedback to create impactful change.

“Your input is invaluable in our mission to provide hope and shelter to those in need.”

The survey opened on October 3 and will run until October 31.

It can be accessed online at forum.gov.bm.

A government spokesman said the survey takes about 30 minutes to complete.

He added that “every response contributes to a more informed, compassionate, and effective approach to ending homelessness”.

The spokesman explained: “Participants in the survey will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences, ensuring that their voices shape the strategic plan to end homelessness in Bermuda.”

Ms Furbert said: “We invite all Bermudians to join us in this essential effort.

“Together, we can create a Bermuda where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.”

Read the original article at The Royal Gazette