activist claims.

"Since I've joined the Family Resource Network, I have been stunned on a number of occasions by the seriousness of poverty in Bermuda,'' said spokeswoman Vicki Abraham.

The FRN is an alliance of five charities which helps families in need. By working together they share resources and administrative costs, freeing up more funding for their cause.

Ms Abraham told Hamilton Lions at their weekly luncheon meeting: "Poverty is a taboo issue, it casts such an ominous and horrifying shadow over our beautiful, pristine affluent society of glistening waters, and abundance of wealth, that we boast about.

"What would happen if people really found out about young teenagers -- some of them pregnant girls -- having nowhere to sleep?'' She added: "Poverty in Bermuda will remain well hidden for many years.'' Ms Abraham thanked the Lions club for funds it donated to the charity raised from the Gas-o-rama fund-raiser.

She told club members that FRN has an operating budget of $800,000, 80 percent of which is spent on delivering services to families.

The charity provides a broad range of professional and therapeutic services and focuses on the social, financial, legal and educational needs of families in crisis or at risk. Service includes emergency intervention, treatment and prevention.

Ms Abraham said she hoped people would not wait until the last moment to seek help as help can be found before things fall apart and FRN is there to provide that help.

HOMELESS HOUSING HSG