Activist Rosemary Pedro is to set up a public meeting to find out the scale of Bermuda's housing problem.

The People's Coalition for Affordable Housing Chairwoman said she thought rising emergency lists reported last week were the result of increasing overcrowding and poor conditions.

But she said a meeting was necessary to get the true picture.

On Friday The Royal Gazette revealed 147 families were now on the emergency waiting list -- up from a figure of 130 at the end of the previous financial year.

Ms Pedro said fewer cases of evictions were coming to her notice but she also noted that pride meant many people were reticent to broadcast their troubles.

But she said nothing would be achieved by people staying quiet if there were problems.

She said: "Renters are more compassionate around Christmas time and would have a tendency to pitch in.'' Ms Pedro said the Coalition was still a viable organisation even though it had not been very active recently.

And she said it would step up activities if there was a big turn out at the meeting which she hopes to set up within the next six weeks.

She said: "If turnout is big I will be on the silent side no longer.'' "But if it is poor obviously the housing problem is not as bad as everyone says it is. What else can I do?'' To contact Ms Pedro call 295 9615.

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