Homeless men were happy to put hard earned dollars in their pockets last week after spending a few hours passing buckets of concrete.

Building contractor Mr. Wilfred Smith decided to take on the ten homeless men he calls the "Bucket Brigade'' to help build a meeting and training room at Hope Homes.

"They came in for a couple of hours and did a marvellous job,'' he said.

"They are individuals looking for work but who can't hold down a steady job for one reason or another. But they are good at odd jobs.'' Mr. Smith, who is also president of the First Step Committee for the Homeless, has a special interest in helping street people find work.

"They have the potential but there isn't the opportunity out there for them,'' he said. "Some individuals are willing to get back in the mainstream but they get caught up in something that stops them from functioning.'' Mr. Smith approached homeless men on Court Street and outside the Pembroke Dump with offers of work. The reaction, he said, was very positive.

"One guy even came off the streets and saw me working,'' said Mr. Smith. "He said he just wanted something to do to occupy himself.

"I enjoy working with these guys. Everything went very smoothly and we got everything done on time.'' But Mr. Smith says employing homeless people would not suit every business.

"On a permanent basis it probably wouldn't work,'' he admitted. "We found they are functional for about three days a week. For businesses with tight schedules it would be difficult to employ them. You have to be patient and nurse them a bit.'' The men, who pocketed about $20 each for their efforts, appeared delighted with their earnings.

"They were very enthused,'' said Mr. Smith. "It made them very happy and pleased with themselves. Most said they would be happy to come back again.'' Homeless get the chance to work Mr. David Cox who is working on the site said he met Mr. Smith two years ago when he was struggling with a drug habit and living on the street. Now he has got his life together again and is paying child support.

"He's been a great help to me and I will do anything for him now,'' Mr. Cox said. "It makes me feel good working for them and keeps my moral up. It gives me inspiration.

"I've made a good bit of friends here. The atmosphere is nice -- everyone is enthusiastic and it's been very rewarding for me.'' Work on the multi-purpose meeting and training room at Hope Homes began at the beginning of this month financed by proceeds from this year's End to End walk.

Director of the home for the mentally challenged, Mrs. Ellen Douglas, said the renovations are expected to be completed by the new year. But she said she would be looking toward the public for additional donations to add the finishing touches.