new support group called the First Step Committee for the Homeless. The president is Mr. Wilfred Smith.

A group of Christians have banded together in hopes of trying to rehabilitate Bermuda's homeless population and help them function in society.

They believe homeless folk should be educated about the fact they are a burden to society the longer they roam the Island's roads with no fixed abode or regular income.

Members of the newly formed First Step Committee for the Homeless held their first major fundraiser last Saturday night.

They put on a benefit concert at St. Paul AME Church Centennial Hall, featuring the DCL Unity Choir, Neville Caines, Harmony Four, Glen Iris and special guest Junell Vance of the Atlantic Union Women's Ministry.

Member Mr. Wilfred Smith, a self-employed contractor, said the group, whose president is Mr. Rodney Smith, wanted to work side by side with the Salvation Army to help the homeless.

They want to establish a residential facility for the homeless which does not have as many restrictions.

Money raised at the concert will go towards obtaining such a facility, Mr.

Smith said.

"We aim to educate the homeless in their response to the environment and the community and the fact they are a liability to society,'' he said. "We want to give them counselling and guidance and try and establish family reunions.''