The Island's church and community groups are needed more than ever to help Bermudians confront an unprecedented array of social problems ranging from AIDS to homelessness, the Salvation Army's top officer claimed this week.

Maj. Gilbert St. Onge said society could break through a prevailing cloud of pessimism through volunteer workers helping the less fortunate.

"There is a desperate need for the church and community service groups to become involved, not just as organisations waving their flags and banners but as people with people,'' he told the Hamilton Lions Club at the Princess Hotel.

Maj. St. Onge said Bermuda was being ravaged by recession which was inflaming existing social problems and creating new ones.

He listed unemployment, increasing alcohol and drug abuse, the AIDS epidemic, homelessness and the need for better and more affordable housing for low-income families, particularly for single mothers.

"News around the world is discouraging,'' he said.

Maj. St. Onge said Government and social services were trying to come to grips with the problems, but there was a distinct need for volunteers.

He urged people wanting to help to not become judgmental of people in need of help.

"Look beyond to how we can assist people who are down on their luck back to becoming more productive citizens,'' he said.

Maj. St. Onge referred to the Army's mission statement as a source for encouragement and optimism.

"The motivation of the organisation is love of God and a practical concern for the needs of humanity,'' he said.

"We can give only what we have,'' he said. "My goal is to teach and encourage those I meet, so that they can smile and laugh amidst a doom and gloom society. It is possible to rise above difficult situations and become hopeful of a better world and the making of a better people.

"The Salvation Army acknowledges the indispensability of love in every human being and that fundamental to Christianity is the worth of every soul,'' he said.

The Major also used his speech to express appreciation to fellow Lions for their support over the years.

He said the generosity of the Hamilton Lions and other clubs enabled the Salvation Army to reach its goal of $220,000 in contributions -- a goal that will help it maintain the Army's programmes through to next year.

Maj. Gilbert St. Onge.