The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s leased shelter rooms are at full capacity as officials struggle to balance residents seeking extensions with new people requesting emergency accommodation, according to Social Services Minister Myles Laroda.

Mr Laroda said the ministry leases about 150 rooms from private entities, excluding those at the Poinciana Inn Shelter. All are occupied. He said officials are also negotiating leases for two additional properties as demand grows.

“We have given extensions to people who may come for the first time and find out that their situation has not improved to the point that they could go on their own,” he said, noting that extensions are granted case by case but inevitably reduce space for new arrivals.

Asked about the strain of managing limited housing amid rising demand, Mr Laroda said the goal is to help residents regain independence.

“We are telling individuals that, look, this is a temporary fix,” he said. “We'll try to assist you. We'll try to assist you with finances and other stuff, to put you in a position to be on your own. Because, unlike the government housing programme, shelter assistance is supposed to be temporary.”

He said some residents need longer stays, including mothers fleeing unsafe situations or people who recently lost employment. Others, including Family Island residents seeking opportunities in New Providence, may stay only a month before moving on.

He stressed that officials do not want to deny assistance because others remain in shelters longer than planned.

He also urged families to play a greater role in supporting relatives in distress.

“While the government is here to assist,” he said, “we also want to reach out to family members, encouraging stronger families. Stronger families build stronger communities, build a stronger country.”

“We would encourage those family members who have members of their family who are in need to try to assist.”