announcement of a new homeless commission yesterday.

Serving the Homeless Action and Resource Concern (SHARC) is a non-profit organisation formed to give the homeless a chance in society.

SHARC chairman Tony Forster said it was important for the community to be aware of homeless issues because the homeless have more underlying problems than people with no fixed abode.

"It's a community problem,'' he said.

"Some of them have very serious mental and physical illnesses that need to be addressed.'' Mr. Forster estimated the homeless population in Bermuda was between 170 to 200 people.

"We are conducting a survey to find out who they are and what their illnesses are,'' he said.

"They know they're being cared about and we want to give them dignity in this matter.'' Although other shelters and outreach programmes exist on the Island, such as the Salvation Army and Hands of Love Mission, Mr. Forster noted his programme would serve as a day care centre for the homeless.

"Salvation Army takes them in at night and by the morning they are put back out on the street,'' he said.

"We will have someplace for them to go during the day so they can have their needs tended to.'' Ultimately, continued Mr. Forster, the goal was to find jobs and get the beggars off the street.

He acknowledged that the commission has already been backed by Health and Social Services Minister Nelson Bascome and that some local businesses have given positive feedback to the cause.

"We want to serve the homeless,'' he stressed.

"We've had discussions with businesses, and we know exactly which firms will help fund this programme. We are very hopeful that they will provide services.''