Ironically despite there being available spaces from the government and volunteer groups, there are individuals who still prefer to sleep rough
According to a study from last year, there are around 1,000 people living in the streets of Singapore. Homeless people have always been vulnerable, and during the time of a pandemic, when each person is expected to shelter-at-home, there are individuals who still prefer to sleep rough, despite available spaces from the government and volunteer groups.
A recent story from TODAY Online featured several such individuals who are sleeping in the streets during this circuit breaker period. The article quotes Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee as saying recently that there are still 400 available beds in various shelters that answered the call to help house the homeless at this time. One of the people TODAY talked to had difficulty in finding shelter due to his dependency on alcohol, another was an 80-year-old who actually has employment as a dishwasher but who has gotten used to sleeping rough as he has done this for more than two decades. Yet another homeless man, a cleaner who had been estranged from his wife for over a year, had actually been offered shelter at a church. He turned down the offer out of fear he would be brainwashed.
But perhaps the situation of homeless people in Singapore is still relatively better than in other parts of the world. As community transmissions of the coronavirus have been going down steadily—with the Ministry of Health saying this week it’s down to two per day—the homeless in Singapore have a smaller chance of getting infected.
Supplies distributed to homeless people in Kelantan Lane, Jalan Bersih area
A socio-political activist who runs a non-government organisation that counsels unemployed Singaporeans distributed supplies to homeless people last Saturday evening (Dec 21).
In a social media post yesterday (Dec 24), Mr Gilbert Goh wrote that a group of five people distributed raincoats, sleeping bags and goody bags to homeless people in the Kelantan Lane and Jalan Bersih area.
They walked for two hours around the old estate, looking for the homeless. Mr Goh wrote: “We must have met close to twenty of them and returned home empty-handed — glad that everything is being given out to the homeless.”
read more
Event to spread awareness about homeless cancelled after Police demanded permit to be applied
An event that was planned to spread awareness of homelessness in Singapore was cancelled after Police informed the organiser that a permit is required for the event.
The organiser of the event, Gilbert Goh, who is an activist and former politician, shared on his Facebook today that the event is cancelled due to the need for a police permit. This event was earlier publicised on Goh’s Facebook page on 26 November, where he asked for people to participate in a social experiment to sleep with the homeless at Lavender/Bugis area.
According to Goh, the police contacted him on 10 Dec to inform him that a permit is required for his event. When asked why is there a need to apply for permit for such charity event, especially when it is just a homeless sleepover experience, the police officer allegedly said because it is a gathering for a cause.
read more
Most in downtown area: Nationwide study
About 1,000 people live on the streets of Singapore, with the highest numbers reported in the city area, Bedok and Kallang, results from a first-of-its-kind nationwide study showed.
Most of them are men in their 50s or older and hold jobs. A large proportion has slept rough on the streets for years, typically at void decks and commercial buildings.
Findings from the 52-paged report, unveiled at a public seminar held at National University of Singapore Faculty of Law on Friday (8 November), also showed that while there were more homeless people spotted in larger and older housing estates as well as those with a higher concentration of rental flats, they were unevenly distributed across Singapore.
related:
Life's a beach:Entrepreneur writes book surviving homeless in Sembawang Park
Youths living in rental flats express hopes and struggles through play
COMMENT: Homelessness must be tackled by society at large
read more
In wealthy Singapore, about 1,000 people sleep rough every night
A landmark study on homelessness in Singapore has found that on any given night, between 921 and 1,050 people sleep in public spaces such as parks and unenclosed lobbies.
Most are older men who sleep rough because they cannot afford housing, want to be near their workplace or have issues with family members or housemates, among other reasons.
The study was led by assistant professor Ng Kok Hoe at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, with the help of 480 volunteers, social workers mobilised by the government, and NGOs conducting fieldwork over three months.
read more
About 1,000 homeless people live on Singapore’s streets: Study
About 1,000 people live on the streets of Singapore, according to the first study done here to measure the scale of homelessness
The highest levels of homelessness were reported in Bedok, Kallang and in the City, with each district having more than 50 people on the streets, according to the study which was led by Assistant Professor Ng Kok Hoe from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Fewer than 10 homeless people were observed in Bukit Panjang, Sembawang and Sengkang.
The study found that 87 per cent of the homeless people were men. About half of the total were judged to be in their 50s or older. Approximately a third were either separated, divorced or widowed, with a similar number who were single.
related:
About 290 homeless, destitute people in S'pore given help each yr over last 3 years
"You don't know our pain" - Helping the homeless find their way home
read more
1,000 homeless people found sleeping on Singapore streets: Nationwide study
A person is pictured during a night walk on Nov 2, 2019, with Ministry of Social and Family Development staff and people from the charity, Homeless Hearts of Singapore.ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
The first nationwide study of homelessness in Singapore found that about 1,000 people were sleeping on the streets.
They were sleeping rough in most parts of the island, but more were found in the older and larger housing estates such as in the city area, Bedok and Kallang.
These areas also had more rental flats, as homelessness is linked to poverty. The study did not specify which areas in the city it was referring to.
read more
About 1,000 homeless people sleeping rough in S'pore, 1st-ever academic study
The first-ever academic study measuring the extent of homelessness in Singapore found that about 1,000 people are sleeping rough across the island
About 1,000 people sleep rough on the streets of Singapore, the first-ever academic study measuring the scale of homelessness here has found.
They are mostly older men, and 31 per cent of the sample interviewed — which would translate to more than 300 people — said they have been homeless for at least six years, according to the study, released on Friday (Nov 8).
At the time they were interviewed, which was after 11.30pm, one in four had eaten only one meal or none at all for the whole day.
read more
One thousand people homeless in Singapore, study shows
Following the release of the study, activist Gilbert Goh organized a food drive to distribute blankets and other essential items to the homeless
A study by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy found that there are one thousand homeless people in Singapore.
Assistant Professor Ng Kok Hoe from the university, along with a team of close to 500 volunteer fieldworkers who covered all 12,000 blocks of residential flats and other public and commercial spaces over a period of three months, found and recorded the numbers of individuals who were asleep or going to sleep in public spaces.
However, in districts such as Bukit Panjang, Sembawang and Sengkang, there were fewer than 10 persons per district.
read more
'You don’t know our pain': Helping the homeless find their way home
When you live on the streets, a shower is one of the hardest things to come by.
You can take shelter in the nooks and crannies of a building when it rains. Temples will serve you hot food, for free when you're hungry. But when you have been living in your own sweat and grime for days, there is nowhere to go for a wash.
“The smell from your body and clothes can be unbearable,” said 41-year-old Annie, who declined to give her real name. She spent two years sleeping rough with her boyfriend near the Singapore Management University in the heart of the city.
read more
Fresh start for Singapore’s homeless
When one thinks of Singapore, one does not think of homelessness or people who do not have a roof over their heads. But they exist. They’re just “invisible.”
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has provided assistance to an average of approximately 290 displaced individuals annually between 2016 and 2018.
Most of them have no place to live in while others may have a home but for several reasons cannot return home.
read more
Gilbert Goh 16 hours
Thanks to the thirty plus volunteers who turned up in full force last night to distribute twenty goody bags, sleeping bags, angpow and some food packs to the homeless folks at Lavender area.
We apologize for the messiness as we tried to cope with the overwhelming response last night.
We ended at 1am and many have left midway due to tired legs and weary bodies as it requires more efforts now to hunt for the homeless folks.
read more
Gilbert Goh Yesterday at 02:45
Many are hidden from the public eye as they try to sleep out in the rough open undetected. According to the report, half hold jobs but they could not afford to own a place.
Join us next Saturday on 16th November at 10.30 PM to distribute blanket, goody bags and food pack to the homeless folks along Kallang, Bugis and Arab St.
We may not be able to get them a home but at least we can show them some love.
read more
SDP’s Chee Soon Juan points out the state of homelessness and calls out PM Lee who said no one must be left behind
Dr Chee also made reference to a speech PM Lee made last year, where he said that as Singapore progresses, it needs to also ensure the country’s poor are not disadvantaged or left behind.
While the Prime Minister said that inequality is present in every society, there is no society where the top and the bottom are the same. But PM Lee also added that safeguarding social mobility is even more important than reducing inequality.
“Because people can accept that some are rich, some are poor, provided if I am poor I have a chance to work hard and get better off”, he said. He added: “If I am poor, my children have a chance to study hard and improve their lives. And if they improve their lives, they will improve my life.”
read more
Housing the homeless in Singapore
Since May last year, government officers have been walking the streets with community groups to reach out to the homeless in Toa Payoh and Kreta Ayer.
This team effort has so far engaged at least 65 rough sleepers and moved about 30 off the streets.
Lee Li Ying with this exclusive report.
read more
Poor in the Land of Crazy Rich Asians
An old woman with a cart sits in front of a Buddhist temple Chinatown, Singapore. Mapa Melvin / Shutterstock.com
Park Royal Hotel along Pickering Street in Singapore is nothing short of spectacular. Lush greenery lines the undulating planes of its facade, mimicking the vibrant green of paddy fields that are common sights in the country’s Southeast Asian neighbours. The building has won numerous architectural and design accolades, and been featured as a location in the Hollywood film Hitman: Agent 47.
But walk a few paces past this impressive glass facade, deeper into the heart of Chinatown, and the surroundings start looking a little different.
Pieces of paper are strewn carelessly on the ground; there’s a seemingly impenetrable layer of grime. Here, the buildings are older, tinted yellow from long exposure to the elements. Come nightfall, men and women, carrying their possessions in backpacks or plastic bags, will discreetly unfurl blankets and newspapers on street corners or stone benches to get some rest for the night.
read more
More allegedly homeless seniors spotted sleeping at Zion Road Hawker Centre
Members of the public have been sharing photos and videos of allegedly homeless men sleeping overnight at the Zion Road Hawker Centre area.
According to the hawkers who work in the food centre, only about two men were camping out in the area regularly about five years ago but that number has steadily grown with 5 to 6 men in their 40s to 60s now sleeping overnight in the area regularly.
These middle-aged and elderly men have been spotted sleeping on the hawker centre benches and the stone benches bordering the Zion River, keeping their personal belongings underneath the hawker centre tables as they rest on the benches. Others reportedly lay paper or newspaper on the ground and sleep there.
read more
A True Story
As I was walking through Chinatown last week, I passed a man. His shirt was dirty. He smelled bad. He looked sick and was maybe developmentally challenged. He seemingly carried all his possessions in two plastic bags.
Yes, there are homeless people even in prosperous Singapore.
As he passed I thought about the $50 bill I had in my wallet that I was saving for milk, lunch or a taxi. After a few seconds, I turned around to go give it to him but he was gone.
read more
Six things you did not know about the homeless in Singapore
The sun has set and the offices are empty, but not everybody has gone home. In prosperous Singapore, there are people who sleep on the streets each night.
A group of youth from a local church have been befriending the homeless in North-East and Central Singapore for the past 1½ years. They visit over 40 homeless people once a week, each time bringing food and water while checking on their health and well-being. I joined them on six visits and met over 25 homeless people over three months.
Here are six things about the homeless in Singapore that I learnt:
read more
You won’t believe how many homeless people there are in S’pore
Singapore is known as a well-developed country where the basic needs of people are met. Singapore is one of the richest country in the entire world with one of the highest number of millionaires living within a country and we are also proud of the fact that Singapore only took a measly 50 years to develop from a poor, third world country to a country with a first-world economy.
Public housing is adequate thanks to HDB, and the CPF scheme gives Singaporean couples the ability to buy their first home. There are also schemes to provide assistance to the poorer groups of the population. Sounds perfect, right?
So, if we were to tell you that there are homeless people in Singapore, and not just one or two, but a pretty significant number of people, will you be shocked? Well, here’s what you got to know.
read more
More than 900 displaced individuals, families identified between 2013-2015
Between 2013 & 2015, the Social and Family Development Ministry has helped 543 individuals & 374 families. Around 80 per cent had low income and weak social support
The Social & Family Development Ministry (MSF) has identified more than 900 displaced individuals and families between 2013 & 2015.
While East Coast Park is where many Singaporeans go to unwind after work, it is also a temporary home for a small group of people.
Some occupants have made homes out of the makeshift tents dotting the park. Some Channel NewsAsia spoke with said they are waiting to be allocated housing, like HDB rental flats, and have no place to stay.
read more
180 found sleeping on streets
Of the 180 people found sleeping outdoors by volunteers over a 5-hour period in March, 21 had been sleeping outdoors for more than a year and 18 for more than 5 years. ST FOTO: DESMOND WEE
Over a 5-hour stretch, 100 volunteers found 180 people sleeping outdoors across 25 locations in Singapore. Most were men aged above 50, & a good proportion had jobs.
This point-in-time survey is believed to be the 1st of its kind here. It was done in March by volunteer welfare organisation Montfort Care & volunteer group SW101, which focuses on issues facing low-income individuals.
Of the 180 people, 84 answered some or all of the survey questions, which ranged from personal particulars, like age & educational background, to home ownership. The rest declined or were already asleep. Those sleeping outdoors were found mainly in parks such as East Coast Park and at HDB blocks.
read more
MSF: Clarifications On Shelter Placement
MSF works closely with government and community agencies, such as HDB and social service agencies to assist homeless families and individuals in need. Some of them may seek help from Family Service Centres to identify temporary housing options and address their other needs. Those who have exhausted all means of accommodation and are in need of immediate shelter would be admitted into Transitional Shelters. Caseworkers at the shelters and social workers at the Family Service Centres will work with these families to improve their family situation, coordinate relevant assistance, and secure long-term housing options.
In some cases, persons seeking admission into Transitional Shelters have alternative accommodation options with family and friends and are therefore not admitted to the shelter. There are also individuals who are not suitable to be admitted into Transitional Shelters due to their physical or mental health conditions. The social service agencies will refer them to the appropriate care facilities.
The waiting time for admission to the transitional shelters is typically about 3 days to a week. The time needed depends on factors such as whether the social worker is able to contact the client to undertake the assessment. For needy persons who need immediate shelter, the shelter operators will facilitate same-day admissions as far as possible. When same-day admission is not possible, such as during weekends and after office hours, the social worker will work with the person to source for interim accommodation, such as staying with relatives or friends. The women and children of families who cannot find interim accommodation can be admitted temporarily to the crisis shelters.
read more
Homeless stereotypes busted: Most hold jobs, have been destitute for over a year
3 in 5 of those surveyed hold jobs, many full-time; 1 in 4 on the streets for more than 5 years; and half are aged 41-59
Most of them have jobs, & more than a quarter have a flat in their name, primarily rental flats.
And yet, the majority have been sleeping in public places for upwards of a year or beyond.
read more
Homeless in Singapore
Singapore is many things — it’s a fine city, it’s a garden city, and it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. But peer through its clean, shiny veneer and you’ll find something else: the homeless among us.
In March this year, a first-of-its-kind street survey on the homeless in Singapore was conducted by volunteer welfare organization Montfort Care and volunteer group SW101, which helps low-income individuals. Over the course of five hours — from 9pm to 2am — 100 volunteers found 180 people (mostly men) sleeping outdoors in 25 locations across the island, mainly at parks, shopping centres, and HDB blocks.
The Straits Times reported that out of the 180 people, 84 gave responses to the survey questions, which included ones on personal particulars and home ownership. The others either declined or were fast asleep. About 21 of them had been sleeping outdoors for over a year, while 18 had been doing so for more than five years.
read more
More complex than meets the eye, Singapore’s homeless struggle to find support
For the last 4 months, odd-job worker Chua Teo Aik, 64, has been wandering the streets by day & sleeps by the waterfront in the Marina Bay area at night. Foto: Nuria Ling/TODAY
Homeless people are dirty, lazy, & probably crazy, many may subconsciously think.
This stereotypical image does not seem to fit Singapore’s homeless, going by what a recent survey report found.
In findings released last week, volunteer group SW101 and volunteer welfare organisation Montfort Care revealed that among 180 people found sleeping on the streets one night in Singapore, almost two-thirds of those interviewed have a job, and more than a quarter have a flat to their name. 1 in 4 are even married.
read more
A fresh look at homelessness
Homelessness is a complex issue without a quick or 1-size-fits-all solution. Some displaced people reject intervention by the authorities because they do not want to be compelled to continue living with families or co-tenants. These strained relationships cannot just be blamed on personal traits as they may be born out of deeper conflicts.
Volunteers have also found that a number of displaced people exhibit some form of mental or physical disability, & these people face challenges adapting to life in shelters.
Even the concept of a home for a displaced person may be different. For some, it is not about "owning" a place or having a roof over their heads for the night. It is about having a place where they feel safe, in control & surrounded by people they get along with.
read more
7 Children and 18 Grandchildren, but 80-Year-Old Ah Ma Sleeps on the Streets of Chinatown
Mdm Tan is neatly dressed, carries a clutch bag and pushes a trolley. From appearances, it’d be hard to tell that this 80-year-old ah ma sleeps on the streets of Chinatown – most would think she’s just lepak0ing there to while away the time.
Mdm Tan usually sleeps on a stone bench in front of the CK department store in the area.
This, despite having 7 children and 18 grand-children. Speaking in Hokkien (the only language she knows), Mdm Tan said that she used to run a kway teow noodle stall in the Orchard Road area. But her husband, who’s 20 years older than her, passed away 11 years ago. She sleeps on the street as she is not on good terms with her children.
“It’s uncomfortable and I can’t even lie down and sleep so I just sit down and slowly fall asleep. I only hope now that someone can help me find a place to stay.” Mdm Tan says she has no money, and her handphone is always running out of battery. But, she says she’s lucky that there are people who give her 3 meals a day for sustenance.
read more
He's 35 and homeless: Eight years of destitute living
The first time I meet Ben & we shake hands, I am immediately assailed by the scent of cologne. Over lunch, the intense fragrance almost overpowers the aroma of roasted coffee beans.
“Actually,” he says casually as he twirls his straw, “I haven’t bathed for a week.” Oh, I think, as I give him my best unfazed nod and an “I see”.
He peers at me for a good three seconds, then breaks into a huge smile. “Wah, your poker face is damn good. Usually people will be grossed out. “But I’m joking lah. I did shower,” he adds gleefully. “You actually believed that?”
related: Homeless stereotypes busted
read more
Once bitten, twice shy homeless man chose not to get rental flat
For the last 4 months, odd-job worker Chua Teo Aik, 64, has been wandering the streets by day. He sleeps by the waterfront in the Marina Bay area at night.
Mr Chua chose not to come under the Government’s Joint Singles Rental Scheme after a bad experience with his first roommate, who was trying all means & ways to kick him out of the house. He is one of at least 3 “regulars” TODAY found in the vicinity of the Esplanade in Marina Bay.
These days, Mr Chua can usually be spotted wheeling a pink, cabin-sized piece of luggage around Singapore’s city centre. The luggage contains all his worldly possessions: a jacket, some oranges, 3-in-1 instant coffee sachets, neatly filed photographs of himself, some old letters, and his passport.
read more
Homelessness in Singapore: How much do you know?
The issue of homelessness is a complex and multi-faceted one. It will require a multi-pronged approach to better manage the situation. For a start, I strongly believe that the number of homeless cases can be further reduced significantly through the enhancement of some of the HDB’s housing policies, which to some extent inadvertently contribute to the risk of this group of vulnerable people ending up homeless.
For example, at my Meet-the-People Session, I met a family of six who became homeless partly due to HDB’s 30-month debarment policy. Mr A, an owner of a 3-room HDB flat, is his family’s sole breadwinner who earns about $1500 a month. He has a wife and four young children to support. He was advised by HDB to sell his house to clear his housing arrears. After he sold his flat and cleared his arrears, he applied for a rental flat under the HDB’s Public Rental Scheme but was rejected due to the 30-month debarment policy.
Mr A had no choice but to rent a flat through the open market. After a while, he exhausted his savings and could no longer pay the monthly rent. As a result, he and his family had to camp by the beach. Fortunately for him, an NParks officer referred his case to the relevant agency and after a while, the family was located in a temporary shelter. According to Mr A, six months after residing in the shelter, his family was granted the flat he currently stays in.
read more
This Singaporean Woman Has Been Living At Changi Airport For EIGHT Years
Homelessness is a real problem in Singapore, and surprisingly enough, you'll see it in a place as polished as Changi Airport.
This woman in her 50s, who preferred to remain anonymous, has been living in Changi Airport for eight years. She is among more than 10 "regulars" at the airport. She was hit by the 2008 financial crisis, and had cash flow problems. She was desperate, she said, and so rented out her three-room flat in Tampines and "moved" to the airport.
At first, she was just going to stay for a few nights, but it became eight years. Now, she has a trolley full of clothes, toiletries, food and other daily necessities. She eats at the airport food court and finds living there quite convenient as there is a supermarket, showers, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
read more
A void deck is home, a marble bench a bed
For nearly 2 years, home for Mr Lim Cheng Teck, 76, was the void deck of a block of 1-room flats in Bedok South. His bed was a marble bench.
One half of the bench held his essentials: a few bottles of talcum powder bottles (the empty ones doubling up as incense-sticks holders), food, utensils, lighters & a few other knick knacks.
He sat, had his meals & slept on the other half, using the elevated middle section of the bench as a pillow.
read more
Our homeless sleeping in public places
Last Fri night as I was leaving the coffee shop after my sojourn, I suddenly noticed that there was a surge in the homeless sleeping on the benches at the concrete shade. It was about 1am. A quick count showed more than 10 persons sleeping there. Their ages ranging from early 40s to 70s.
Most of them carried a bag and used it as headrest. They didn’t look like foreign workers. They appeared to be locals. I believe this scenario is repeated all over our country. Just go to the Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relic temple vicinity, there is much more there but those are elderly folks living nearby.
I believe there are two types of homeless sleeping in public places. Those who have got a flat but choose to sleep in a public place vs those who are really homeless who have no choice but to sleep in a public place.
read more
Homeless in the City of Possibilities
The homeless from Sembawang Park were told to dismantle their tents and were issued summons. They were also ordered to leave the area immediately. After TOC suggested that they be given more time, the officers from MCYS promised to give them a further three days to leave the park – this despite some of the campers having valid camping permits. (You can read a more detailed account of what happened here.)
The campers had, on that following Monday, gone to the MCYS office to discuss the matter of alternative accommodation with the officers, as previously arranged. After the discussion, they returned to Sembawang Park to pack up their belongings. They were greeted with the presence of workmen at the camping area who apparently were there to seal off the site. Indeed, Nparks seem eager to have the homeless leave the area as soon as possible, given how swiftly it had arranged for the workers to be there. The day after the campers left, the camping area at the park was cordoned off for “maintenance”.
Over at Changi beach, the homeless were treated just as badly. After the minister of MCYS’s visit, the campers were harassed for days, sometimes two or three times a day by Nparks officers, the campers told us. It is believed that these officers included those from other Nparks branches, such as East Coast, who were roped in to help rid Changi beach of the campers and the homeless, apparently.
read more
Homeless in Singapore?
Where do the homeless go? There seems to be a perception that people in homeless shelters normally don’t get evicted, I have come across many cases of eviction and notice of eviction from homeless shelters. Perpetual queue of homeless? As I understand it, homeless shelters are almost invariably always full, with new homeless people all the time. So, unless one is evicted or threatened with eviction, they wouldn’t know actually whether they can fend for themselves, as most people will not volunteer to leave a homeless shelter.
Interim Housing Scheme - Those in the Interim Housing Scheme also get evicted because they cannot pay their rental. How many homeless in shelters? By the way, how many homeless shelters are there in Singapore, how many people are housed in total, and who runs them? In this regard, I understand that homeless shelters do not have signboards or names, telephone numbers or web sites.
Homeless rising? I also understand that the last time it was reported in Parliament, the number of homeless picked up by the authorities, had increased by 50 per cent or something.
read more
'Sleepers' in Singapore
read more
Homeless – the ‘invisible’ people in Singapore
“I have lived in several different countries in my life. However, living in Singapore is the closest thing to paradise that I have ever experienced”, exclaims an expatriate in a blog post and adds “I thought it was interesting that I did not see a single homeless person during my entire stay in the country. I am sure there are homeless people in Singapore”.
The expatriate is surely not alone in ‘not seeing a single homeless person here’. The homeless among us are ‘invisible’ to many Singaporeans as well. So where do they live.
The Ministry of Social & Family Development said in Parliament last year that they “regularly patrols beaches and public areas to identify and provide assistance to persons who may be homeless”. Yes, some homeless individuals and families live along our coastal shores.
read more
Out In The Cold: A documentary bringing light to the homeless
A group of ex-temasek polytechnic (TP) students did a film about the less known, less talked about, sometimes seen, and always leaving people wondering: The Homeless People.
Titled "Out In The Cold", it is a documentary bringing light to people and circumstances that sometimes can’t be help.
The ex-students from TP who had to do a final year project for their Diploma in Moving Images formed the team of four for the documentary. They are Tan Yi Wilfred, the director, Nur Shahirah A. Latif, the producer, Sing Valerie, the director of photography and Anisa Bte Abdul Latiff, the editor.
read more
Raiding the homeless – in the middle of the night
They have been camped out there for months, but no one from the government agencies seem to have known about them – perhaps until The Online Citizen’s report on 13 January
TOC had reported that some 15 homeless families were camped out in tents at Sembawang Park. Three days after TOC’s revelation, on 16 January, Saturday, at around 10pm, officers from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), and NParks, together with some 10 policemen, swooped down on the park.
When TOC arrived at the scene at about 10.50pm, there were two police cars and a pick-up van. Some of the homeless were seen dismantling their tents. When queried about why they were being asked to do so, the NParks officers said the campers had broken “rules and regulations”, even though most of them still had valid camping permits. The summons referred to Section 9(1)(a) of the Parks and Trees Regulation Act 2005 which makes it an offence to conduct a barbeque without a permit, among other things. The camping permit does not include permission to barbeque, apparently.
read more
Meet Singapore’s nomad families
For four years, the newly-weds lived on the beach. From 2003 to 2007, they lived off their catch from the sea, did odd jobs, and washed in public toilets.
At 16, Madam Siti (not her real name), a Primary 4 dropout, married Mr Osman (not his real name), 25, despite parental objections. They were ostracised by both their families.
They lived in a series of pitched tents at Changi, East Coast, then Sembawang beach. When Madam Siti gave birth, her sister and in-laws took them in for a few months before conflicts drove them out to the beach. This went on till last year.
read more
HOMELESS IN SINGAPORE: RESULTS FROM A NATIONWIDE STREET COUNT
Homelessness exists in Singapore. But despite growing policy and public attention in recent years, the size of the homeless population in Singapore is not known. This is the first study to determine the scale of homelessness in Singapore through a nationwide street count.
Homelessness is commonly defined as living in inadequate housing situations. Adequacy has three dimensions: security in terms of tenure, exclusive occupation, and affordability; physical adequacy in terms of amenities, hygiene, safety, and sufficient space; and social adequacy in terms of privacy, control of the use of space, and conduciveness for social relationships. Homelessness affects physical and mental health, reduces economic opportunities, disrupts social relationships, and weakens one’s sense of identity and dignity.
There are different forms of homelessness. In primary or street homelessness, people do not have accommodation and sleep in public spaces not intended for human habitation. Secondary homelessness refers to living in temporary accommodation such as shelters and hostels, or moving frequently because permanent housing is not available. In tertiary homelessness, people live in inadequate accommodation such as overcrowded housing, or may imminently lose their housing due to eviction, violence, or lack of social support.
Group meets about 20 people and gives them raincoats, sleeping bags and goody bags
A socio-political activist who runs a non-government organisation that counsels unemployed Singaporeans distributed supplies to homeless people last Saturday evening (Dec 21).
In a social media post yesterday (Dec 24), Mr Gilbert Goh wrote that a group of five people distributed raincoats, sleeping bags and goody bags to homeless people in the Kelantan Lane and Jalan Bersih area.
They walked for two hours around the old estate, looking for the homeless. Mr Goh wrote: “We must have met close to twenty of them and returned home empty-handed — glad that everything is being given out to the homeless.”
read more
Event to spread awareness about homeless cancelled after Police demanded permit to be applied
An event that was planned to spread awareness of homelessness in Singapore was cancelled after Police informed the organiser that a permit is required for the event.
The organiser of the event, Gilbert Goh, who is an activist and former politician, shared on his Facebook today that the event is cancelled due to the need for a police permit. This event was earlier publicised on Goh’s Facebook page on 26 November, where he asked for people to participate in a social experiment to sleep with the homeless at Lavender/Bugis area.
According to Goh, the police contacted him on 10 Dec to inform him that a permit is required for his event. When asked why is there a need to apply for permit for such charity event, especially when it is just a homeless sleepover experience, the police officer allegedly said because it is a gathering for a cause.
read more
Most in downtown area: Nationwide study
A man sleeps near the entrance of an MRT station in Singapore. (Reuters file photo)
About 1,000 people live on the streets of Singapore, with the highest numbers reported in the city area, Bedok and Kallang, results from a first-of-its-kind nationwide study showed.
Most of them are men in their 50s or older and hold jobs. A large proportion has slept rough on the streets for years, typically at void decks and commercial buildings.
Findings from the 52-paged report, unveiled at a public seminar held at National University of Singapore Faculty of Law on Friday (8 November), also showed that while there were more homeless people spotted in larger and older housing estates as well as those with a higher concentration of rental flats, they were unevenly distributed across Singapore.
related:
Life's a beach:Entrepreneur writes book surviving homeless in Sembawang Park
Youths living in rental flats express hopes and struggles through play
COMMENT: Homelessness must be tackled by society at large
read more
In wealthy Singapore, about 1,000 people sleep rough every night
A rough sleeper in Singapore. Photo: Yusuf Abdol Hamid
A landmark study on homelessness in Singapore has found that on any given night, between 921 and 1,050 people sleep in public spaces such as parks and unenclosed lobbies.
Most are older men who sleep rough because they cannot afford housing, want to be near their workplace or have issues with family members or housemates, among other reasons.
The study was led by assistant professor Ng Kok Hoe at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, with the help of 480 volunteers, social workers mobilised by the government, and NGOs conducting fieldwork over three months.
read more
About 1,000 homeless people live on Singapore’s streets: Study
The highest levels of homelessness were reported in Bedok, Kallang and in the City, with each district having more than 50 people on the streets, according to the study which was led by Assistant Professor Ng Kok Hoe from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Fewer than 10 homeless people were observed in Bukit Panjang, Sembawang and Sengkang.
The study found that 87 per cent of the homeless people were men. About half of the total were judged to be in their 50s or older. Approximately a third were either separated, divorced or widowed, with a similar number who were single.
related:
About 290 homeless, destitute people in S'pore given help each yr over last 3 years
"You don't know our pain" - Helping the homeless find their way home
read more
1,000 homeless people found sleeping on Singapore streets: Nationwide study
The first nationwide study of homelessness in Singapore found that about 1,000 people were sleeping on the streets.
They were sleeping rough in most parts of the island, but more were found in the older and larger housing estates such as in the city area, Bedok and Kallang.
These areas also had more rental flats, as homelessness is linked to poverty. The study did not specify which areas in the city it was referring to.
read more
About 1,000 homeless people sleeping rough in S'pore, 1st-ever academic study
About 1,000 people sleep rough on the streets of Singapore, the first-ever academic study measuring the scale of homelessness here has found.
They are mostly older men, and 31 per cent of the sample interviewed — which would translate to more than 300 people — said they have been homeless for at least six years, according to the study, released on Friday (Nov 8).
At the time they were interviewed, which was after 11.30pm, one in four had eaten only one meal or none at all for the whole day.
read more
One thousand people homeless in Singapore, study shows
A study by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy found that there are one thousand homeless people in Singapore.
Assistant Professor Ng Kok Hoe from the university, along with a team of close to 500 volunteer fieldworkers who covered all 12,000 blocks of residential flats and other public and commercial spaces over a period of three months, found and recorded the numbers of individuals who were asleep or going to sleep in public spaces.
THE HIGHEST COUNTS OF HOMELESS PERSONS WERE REPORTED IN THE CITY, BEDOK AND KALLANG DISTRICTS, THE STUDY FOUND. THERE WERE MORE THAN 50 PERSONS PER DISTRICT.
However, in districts such as Bukit Panjang, Sembawang and Sengkang, there were fewer than 10 persons per district.
read more
'You don’t know our pain': Helping the homeless find their way home
A rough sleeper is seen sleeping on chairs
When you live on the streets, a shower is one of the hardest things to come by.
You can take shelter in the nooks and crannies of a building when it rains. Temples will serve you hot food, for free when you're hungry. But when you have been living in your own sweat and grime for days, there is nowhere to go for a wash.
“The smell from your body and clothes can be unbearable,” said 41-year-old Annie, who declined to give her real name. She spent two years sleeping rough with her boyfriend near the Singapore Management University in the heart of the city.
read more
Fresh start for Singapore’s homeless
When one thinks of Singapore, one does not think of homelessness or people who do not have a roof over their heads. But they exist. They’re just “invisible.”
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has provided assistance to an average of approximately 290 displaced individuals annually between 2016 and 2018.
Most of them have no place to live in while others may have a home but for several reasons cannot return home.
read more
Gilbert Goh 16 hours
Thanks to the thirty plus volunteers who turned up in full force last night to distribute twenty goody bags, sleeping bags, angpow and some food packs to the homeless folks at Lavender area.
We apologize for the messiness as we tried to cope with the overwhelming response last night.
We ended at 1am and many have left midway due to tired legs and weary bodies as it requires more efforts now to hunt for the homeless folks.
read more
Gilbert Goh Yesterday at 02:45
One thousand Singaporeans are classified as homeless according to a NUS report today
Many are hidden from the public eye as they try to sleep out in the rough open undetected. According to the report, half hold jobs but they could not afford to own a place.
Join us next Saturday on 16th November at 10.30 PM to distribute blanket, goody bags and food pack to the homeless folks along Kallang, Bugis and Arab St.
We may not be able to get them a home but at least we can show them some love.
read more
SDP’s Chee Soon Juan points out the state of homelessness and calls out PM Lee who said no one must be left behind
Dr Chee also made reference to a speech PM Lee made last year, where he said that as Singapore progresses, it needs to also ensure the country’s poor are not disadvantaged or left behind.
While the Prime Minister said that inequality is present in every society, there is no society where the top and the bottom are the same. But PM Lee also added that safeguarding social mobility is even more important than reducing inequality.
“Because people can accept that some are rich, some are poor, provided if I am poor I have a chance to work hard and get better off”, he said. He added: “If I am poor, my children have a chance to study hard and improve their lives. And if they improve their lives, they will improve my life.”
read more
Housing the homeless in Singapore
Since May last year, government officers have been walking the streets with community groups to reach out to the homeless in Toa Payoh and Kreta Ayer.
This team effort has so far engaged at least 65 rough sleepers and moved about 30 off the streets.
Lee Li Ying with this exclusive report.
read more
Poor in the Land of Crazy Rich Asians
Park Royal Hotel along Pickering Street in Singapore is nothing short of spectacular. Lush greenery lines the undulating planes of its facade, mimicking the vibrant green of paddy fields that are common sights in the country’s Southeast Asian neighbours. The building has won numerous architectural and design accolades, and been featured as a location in the Hollywood film Hitman: Agent 47.
But walk a few paces past this impressive glass facade, deeper into the heart of Chinatown, and the surroundings start looking a little different.
Pieces of paper are strewn carelessly on the ground; there’s a seemingly impenetrable layer of grime. Here, the buildings are older, tinted yellow from long exposure to the elements. Come nightfall, men and women, carrying their possessions in backpacks or plastic bags, will discreetly unfurl blankets and newspapers on street corners or stone benches to get some rest for the night.
read more
More allegedly homeless seniors spotted sleeping at Zion Road Hawker Centre
Members of the public have been sharing photos and videos of allegedly homeless men sleeping overnight at the Zion Road Hawker Centre area.
According to the hawkers who work in the food centre, only about two men were camping out in the area regularly about five years ago but that number has steadily grown with 5 to 6 men in their 40s to 60s now sleeping overnight in the area regularly.
These middle-aged and elderly men have been spotted sleeping on the hawker centre benches and the stone benches bordering the Zion River, keeping their personal belongings underneath the hawker centre tables as they rest on the benches. Others reportedly lay paper or newspaper on the ground and sleep there.
read more
A True Story
As I was walking through Chinatown last week, I passed a man. His shirt was dirty. He smelled bad. He looked sick and was maybe developmentally challenged. He seemingly carried all his possessions in two plastic bags.
Yes, there are homeless people even in prosperous Singapore.
As he passed I thought about the $50 bill I had in my wallet that I was saving for milk, lunch or a taxi. After a few seconds, I turned around to go give it to him but he was gone.
read more
Six things you did not know about the homeless in Singapore
The sun has set and the offices are empty, but not everybody has gone home. In prosperous Singapore, there are people who sleep on the streets each night.
A group of youth from a local church have been befriending the homeless in North-East and Central Singapore for the past 1½ years. They visit over 40 homeless people once a week, each time bringing food and water while checking on their health and well-being. I joined them on six visits and met over 25 homeless people over three months.
Here are six things about the homeless in Singapore that I learnt:
- Not all are actually homeless
- Their generosity put me to shame
- People steal from the homeless
- They love to have conversations
- You may not be helping by giving them money
- They hide in plain sight
read more
You won’t believe how many homeless people there are in S’pore
Singapore is known as a well-developed country where the basic needs of people are met. Singapore is one of the richest country in the entire world with one of the highest number of millionaires living within a country and we are also proud of the fact that Singapore only took a measly 50 years to develop from a poor, third world country to a country with a first-world economy.
Public housing is adequate thanks to HDB, and the CPF scheme gives Singaporean couples the ability to buy their first home. There are also schemes to provide assistance to the poorer groups of the population. Sounds perfect, right?
So, if we were to tell you that there are homeless people in Singapore, and not just one or two, but a pretty significant number of people, will you be shocked? Well, here’s what you got to know.
read more
More than 900 displaced individuals, families identified between 2013-2015
The Social & Family Development Ministry (MSF) has identified more than 900 displaced individuals and families between 2013 & 2015.
While East Coast Park is where many Singaporeans go to unwind after work, it is also a temporary home for a small group of people.
Some occupants have made homes out of the makeshift tents dotting the park. Some Channel NewsAsia spoke with said they are waiting to be allocated housing, like HDB rental flats, and have no place to stay.
read more
180 found sleeping on streets
Over a 5-hour stretch, 100 volunteers found 180 people sleeping outdoors across 25 locations in Singapore. Most were men aged above 50, & a good proportion had jobs.
This point-in-time survey is believed to be the 1st of its kind here. It was done in March by volunteer welfare organisation Montfort Care & volunteer group SW101, which focuses on issues facing low-income individuals.
Of the 180 people, 84 answered some or all of the survey questions, which ranged from personal particulars, like age & educational background, to home ownership. The rest declined or were already asleep. Those sleeping outdoors were found mainly in parks such as East Coast Park and at HDB blocks.
read more
MSF: Clarifications On Shelter Placement
MSF works closely with government and community agencies, such as HDB and social service agencies to assist homeless families and individuals in need. Some of them may seek help from Family Service Centres to identify temporary housing options and address their other needs. Those who have exhausted all means of accommodation and are in need of immediate shelter would be admitted into Transitional Shelters. Caseworkers at the shelters and social workers at the Family Service Centres will work with these families to improve their family situation, coordinate relevant assistance, and secure long-term housing options.
In some cases, persons seeking admission into Transitional Shelters have alternative accommodation options with family and friends and are therefore not admitted to the shelter. There are also individuals who are not suitable to be admitted into Transitional Shelters due to their physical or mental health conditions. The social service agencies will refer them to the appropriate care facilities.
The waiting time for admission to the transitional shelters is typically about 3 days to a week. The time needed depends on factors such as whether the social worker is able to contact the client to undertake the assessment. For needy persons who need immediate shelter, the shelter operators will facilitate same-day admissions as far as possible. When same-day admission is not possible, such as during weekends and after office hours, the social worker will work with the person to source for interim accommodation, such as staying with relatives or friends. The women and children of families who cannot find interim accommodation can be admitted temporarily to the crisis shelters.
read more
Homeless stereotypes busted: Most hold jobs, have been destitute for over a year
24-hour fast-food outlets, malls & public parks are some of the places where the homeless sleep at night
3 in 5 of those surveyed hold jobs, many full-time; 1 in 4 on the streets for more than 5 years; and half are aged 41-59
Most of them have jobs, & more than a quarter have a flat in their name, primarily rental flats.
And yet, the majority have been sleeping in public places for upwards of a year or beyond.
read more
Homeless in Singapore
Singapore is many things — it’s a fine city, it’s a garden city, and it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. But peer through its clean, shiny veneer and you’ll find something else: the homeless among us.
In March this year, a first-of-its-kind street survey on the homeless in Singapore was conducted by volunteer welfare organization Montfort Care and volunteer group SW101, which helps low-income individuals. Over the course of five hours — from 9pm to 2am — 100 volunteers found 180 people (mostly men) sleeping outdoors in 25 locations across the island, mainly at parks, shopping centres, and HDB blocks.
The Straits Times reported that out of the 180 people, 84 gave responses to the survey questions, which included ones on personal particulars and home ownership. The others either declined or were fast asleep. About 21 of them had been sleeping outdoors for over a year, while 18 had been doing so for more than five years.
read more
More complex than meets the eye, Singapore’s homeless struggle to find support
Homeless people are dirty, lazy, & probably crazy, many may subconsciously think.
This stereotypical image does not seem to fit Singapore’s homeless, going by what a recent survey report found.
In findings released last week, volunteer group SW101 and volunteer welfare organisation Montfort Care revealed that among 180 people found sleeping on the streets one night in Singapore, almost two-thirds of those interviewed have a job, and more than a quarter have a flat to their name. 1 in 4 are even married.
read more
A fresh look at homelessness
Homelessness is a complex issue without a quick or 1-size-fits-all solution. Some displaced people reject intervention by the authorities because they do not want to be compelled to continue living with families or co-tenants. These strained relationships cannot just be blamed on personal traits as they may be born out of deeper conflicts.
Volunteers have also found that a number of displaced people exhibit some form of mental or physical disability, & these people face challenges adapting to life in shelters.
Even the concept of a home for a displaced person may be different. For some, it is not about "owning" a place or having a roof over their heads for the night. It is about having a place where they feel safe, in control & surrounded by people they get along with.
read more
7 Children and 18 Grandchildren, but 80-Year-Old Ah Ma Sleeps on the Streets of Chinatown
Mdm Tan is neatly dressed, carries a clutch bag and pushes a trolley. From appearances, it’d be hard to tell that this 80-year-old ah ma sleeps on the streets of Chinatown – most would think she’s just lepak0ing there to while away the time.
Mdm Tan usually sleeps on a stone bench in front of the CK department store in the area.
This, despite having 7 children and 18 grand-children. Speaking in Hokkien (the only language she knows), Mdm Tan said that she used to run a kway teow noodle stall in the Orchard Road area. But her husband, who’s 20 years older than her, passed away 11 years ago. She sleeps on the street as she is not on good terms with her children.
“It’s uncomfortable and I can’t even lie down and sleep so I just sit down and slowly fall asleep. I only hope now that someone can help me find a place to stay.” Mdm Tan says she has no money, and her handphone is always running out of battery. But, she says she’s lucky that there are people who give her 3 meals a day for sustenance.
read more
He's 35 and homeless: Eight years of destitute living
The first time I meet Ben & we shake hands, I am immediately assailed by the scent of cologne. Over lunch, the intense fragrance almost overpowers the aroma of roasted coffee beans.
“Actually,” he says casually as he twirls his straw, “I haven’t bathed for a week.” Oh, I think, as I give him my best unfazed nod and an “I see”.
He peers at me for a good three seconds, then breaks into a huge smile. “Wah, your poker face is damn good. Usually people will be grossed out. “But I’m joking lah. I did shower,” he adds gleefully. “You actually believed that?”
related: Homeless stereotypes busted
read more
Once bitten, twice shy homeless man chose not to get rental flat
For the last 4 months, odd-job worker Chua Teo Aik, 64, has been wandering the streets by day. He sleeps by the waterfront in the Marina Bay area at night.
Mr Chua chose not to come under the Government’s Joint Singles Rental Scheme after a bad experience with his first roommate, who was trying all means & ways to kick him out of the house. He is one of at least 3 “regulars” TODAY found in the vicinity of the Esplanade in Marina Bay.
These days, Mr Chua can usually be spotted wheeling a pink, cabin-sized piece of luggage around Singapore’s city centre. The luggage contains all his worldly possessions: a jacket, some oranges, 3-in-1 instant coffee sachets, neatly filed photographs of himself, some old letters, and his passport.
read more
Homelessness in Singapore: How much do you know?
The issue of homelessness is a complex and multi-faceted one. It will require a multi-pronged approach to better manage the situation. For a start, I strongly believe that the number of homeless cases can be further reduced significantly through the enhancement of some of the HDB’s housing policies, which to some extent inadvertently contribute to the risk of this group of vulnerable people ending up homeless.
For example, at my Meet-the-People Session, I met a family of six who became homeless partly due to HDB’s 30-month debarment policy. Mr A, an owner of a 3-room HDB flat, is his family’s sole breadwinner who earns about $1500 a month. He has a wife and four young children to support. He was advised by HDB to sell his house to clear his housing arrears. After he sold his flat and cleared his arrears, he applied for a rental flat under the HDB’s Public Rental Scheme but was rejected due to the 30-month debarment policy.
Mr A had no choice but to rent a flat through the open market. After a while, he exhausted his savings and could no longer pay the monthly rent. As a result, he and his family had to camp by the beach. Fortunately for him, an NParks officer referred his case to the relevant agency and after a while, the family was located in a temporary shelter. According to Mr A, six months after residing in the shelter, his family was granted the flat he currently stays in.
read more
This Singaporean Woman Has Been Living At Changi Airport For EIGHT Years
Homelessness is a real problem in Singapore, and surprisingly enough, you'll see it in a place as polished as Changi Airport.
This woman in her 50s, who preferred to remain anonymous, has been living in Changi Airport for eight years. She is among more than 10 "regulars" at the airport. She was hit by the 2008 financial crisis, and had cash flow problems. She was desperate, she said, and so rented out her three-room flat in Tampines and "moved" to the airport.
At first, she was just going to stay for a few nights, but it became eight years. Now, she has a trolley full of clothes, toiletries, food and other daily necessities. She eats at the airport food court and finds living there quite convenient as there is a supermarket, showers, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
read more
A void deck is home, a marble bench a bed
For nearly 2 years, home for Mr Lim Cheng Teck, 76, was the void deck of a block of 1-room flats in Bedok South. His bed was a marble bench.
One half of the bench held his essentials: a few bottles of talcum powder bottles (the empty ones doubling up as incense-sticks holders), food, utensils, lighters & a few other knick knacks.
He sat, had his meals & slept on the other half, using the elevated middle section of the bench as a pillow.
read more
Our homeless sleeping in public places
Last Fri night as I was leaving the coffee shop after my sojourn, I suddenly noticed that there was a surge in the homeless sleeping on the benches at the concrete shade. It was about 1am. A quick count showed more than 10 persons sleeping there. Their ages ranging from early 40s to 70s.
Most of them carried a bag and used it as headrest. They didn’t look like foreign workers. They appeared to be locals. I believe this scenario is repeated all over our country. Just go to the Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relic temple vicinity, there is much more there but those are elderly folks living nearby.
I believe there are two types of homeless sleeping in public places. Those who have got a flat but choose to sleep in a public place vs those who are really homeless who have no choice but to sleep in a public place.
read more
Homeless in the City of Possibilities
The homeless from Sembawang Park were told to dismantle their tents and were issued summons. They were also ordered to leave the area immediately. After TOC suggested that they be given more time, the officers from MCYS promised to give them a further three days to leave the park – this despite some of the campers having valid camping permits. (You can read a more detailed account of what happened here.)
The campers had, on that following Monday, gone to the MCYS office to discuss the matter of alternative accommodation with the officers, as previously arranged. After the discussion, they returned to Sembawang Park to pack up their belongings. They were greeted with the presence of workmen at the camping area who apparently were there to seal off the site. Indeed, Nparks seem eager to have the homeless leave the area as soon as possible, given how swiftly it had arranged for the workers to be there. The day after the campers left, the camping area at the park was cordoned off for “maintenance”.
Over at Changi beach, the homeless were treated just as badly. After the minister of MCYS’s visit, the campers were harassed for days, sometimes two or three times a day by Nparks officers, the campers told us. It is believed that these officers included those from other Nparks branches, such as East Coast, who were roped in to help rid Changi beach of the campers and the homeless, apparently.
read more
Homeless in Singapore?
Where do the homeless go? There seems to be a perception that people in homeless shelters normally don’t get evicted, I have come across many cases of eviction and notice of eviction from homeless shelters. Perpetual queue of homeless? As I understand it, homeless shelters are almost invariably always full, with new homeless people all the time. So, unless one is evicted or threatened with eviction, they wouldn’t know actually whether they can fend for themselves, as most people will not volunteer to leave a homeless shelter.
Interim Housing Scheme - Those in the Interim Housing Scheme also get evicted because they cannot pay their rental. How many homeless in shelters? By the way, how many homeless shelters are there in Singapore, how many people are housed in total, and who runs them? In this regard, I understand that homeless shelters do not have signboards or names, telephone numbers or web sites.
Homeless rising? I also understand that the last time it was reported in Parliament, the number of homeless picked up by the authorities, had increased by 50 per cent or something.
read more
'Sleepers' in Singapore
- "There are no homeless, destitute or starving people [in Singapore]…Poverty has been eradicated." - Kishore Mahbubani, Singapore's permanent representative to the UN
- "You go down New York, Broadway. You will see the beggars, people of the streets...Where are the beggars in Singapore? Show me." - Lee Kuan Yew
- "There are no homeless people in Singapore because they are called SLEEPERS Singapore is ingenious we have gotten rid of homelessness without spending a single cent" - Lucky Tan
read more
Homeless – the ‘invisible’ people in Singapore
“I have lived in several different countries in my life. However, living in Singapore is the closest thing to paradise that I have ever experienced”, exclaims an expatriate in a blog post and adds “I thought it was interesting that I did not see a single homeless person during my entire stay in the country. I am sure there are homeless people in Singapore”.
The expatriate is surely not alone in ‘not seeing a single homeless person here’. The homeless among us are ‘invisible’ to many Singaporeans as well. So where do they live.
The Ministry of Social & Family Development said in Parliament last year that they “regularly patrols beaches and public areas to identify and provide assistance to persons who may be homeless”. Yes, some homeless individuals and families live along our coastal shores.
read more
Out In The Cold: A documentary bringing light to the homeless
A group of ex-temasek polytechnic (TP) students did a film about the less known, less talked about, sometimes seen, and always leaving people wondering: The Homeless People.
Titled "Out In The Cold", it is a documentary bringing light to people and circumstances that sometimes can’t be help.
The ex-students from TP who had to do a final year project for their Diploma in Moving Images formed the team of four for the documentary. They are Tan Yi Wilfred, the director, Nur Shahirah A. Latif, the producer, Sing Valerie, the director of photography and Anisa Bte Abdul Latiff, the editor.
read more
Raiding the homeless – in the middle of the night
They have been camped out there for months, but no one from the government agencies seem to have known about them – perhaps until The Online Citizen’s report on 13 January
TOC had reported that some 15 homeless families were camped out in tents at Sembawang Park. Three days after TOC’s revelation, on 16 January, Saturday, at around 10pm, officers from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), and NParks, together with some 10 policemen, swooped down on the park.
When TOC arrived at the scene at about 10.50pm, there were two police cars and a pick-up van. Some of the homeless were seen dismantling their tents. When queried about why they were being asked to do so, the NParks officers said the campers had broken “rules and regulations”, even though most of them still had valid camping permits. The summons referred to Section 9(1)(a) of the Parks and Trees Regulation Act 2005 which makes it an offence to conduct a barbeque without a permit, among other things. The camping permit does not include permission to barbeque, apparently.
read more
Meet Singapore’s nomad families
For four years, the newly-weds lived on the beach. From 2003 to 2007, they lived off their catch from the sea, did odd jobs, and washed in public toilets.
At 16, Madam Siti (not her real name), a Primary 4 dropout, married Mr Osman (not his real name), 25, despite parental objections. They were ostracised by both their families.
They lived in a series of pitched tents at Changi, East Coast, then Sembawang beach. When Madam Siti gave birth, her sister and in-laws took them in for a few months before conflicts drove them out to the beach. This went on till last year.
read more
HOMELESS IN SINGAPORE: RESULTS FROM A NATIONWIDE STREET COUNT
Homelessness exists in Singapore. But despite growing policy and public attention in recent years, the size of the homeless population in Singapore is not known. This is the first study to determine the scale of homelessness in Singapore through a nationwide street count.
Homelessness is commonly defined as living in inadequate housing situations. Adequacy has three dimensions: security in terms of tenure, exclusive occupation, and affordability; physical adequacy in terms of amenities, hygiene, safety, and sufficient space; and social adequacy in terms of privacy, control of the use of space, and conduciveness for social relationships. Homelessness affects physical and mental health, reduces economic opportunities, disrupts social relationships, and weakens one’s sense of identity and dignity.
There are different forms of homelessness. In primary or street homelessness, people do not have accommodation and sleep in public spaces not intended for human habitation. Secondary homelessness refers to living in temporary accommodation such as shelters and hostels, or moving frequently because permanent housing is not available. In tertiary homelessness, people live in inadequate accommodation such as overcrowded housing, or may imminently lose their housing due to eviction, violence, or lack of social support.
Helping Elderly Cardboard Collectors in Singapore
Have you ever Spoken to a Cardboard Uncle or Aunty?
Hazards being a Cardboard Picker
Collecting Cardboards "form of exercise" & "protecting our environment"
When Cardboard Is Gold
Buskers, Tissue Paper Peddlers, & Street Walkers
Karung Guni: The Rag and Bone Men
'Tissue and Cardboard' Sellers
Plight Of The Tissue Peddlers
Singapore’s Elderly Poor
Golden Year For The Elderlies
Support for the Needy and Elderly
Elderly in Singapore need S$1,379 a month
1,000 street homeless found in Singapore
The Surprising Truth About The Homeless In Singapore
The Poor & Homeless in Singapore
Tent Village: Singapore’s nomad families
Singapore: Best Place to Live and Work
Have you ever Spoken to a Cardboard Uncle or Aunty?
Hazards being a Cardboard Picker
Collecting Cardboards "form of exercise" & "protecting our environment"
When Cardboard Is Gold
Buskers, Tissue Paper Peddlers, & Street Walkers
Karung Guni: The Rag and Bone Men
'Tissue and Cardboard' Sellers
Plight Of The Tissue Peddlers
Singapore’s Elderly Poor
Golden Year For The Elderlies
Support for the Needy and Elderly
Elderly in Singapore need S$1,379 a month
1,000 street homeless found in Singapore
The Surprising Truth About The Homeless In Singapore
The Poor & Homeless in Singapore
Tent Village: Singapore’s nomad families
Singapore: Best Place to Live and Work
Singapore’s Story: What comes next
Singapore at 50: From swamp to skyscrapers
Singapore Good Old Times
The Singapore Story
Other Side of The Singapore Story
ChasingThe Singapore Dream
To Be Or Not To Be Singaporeans
Longing for the good old days
Singapore: A Sampan or a Cruise ship?
Singapore at 50: From swamp to skyscrapers
Singapore is ‘World’s Costliest City To Live In’
Coping with Inflation & Cost Of Living
COL goes Up, Up, Up!
Singapore “Swiss” Standard of Living
Tackling poverty the 'kuih lapis' way
Callings for a Poverty Line
Setting a poverty line may not be helpful
A minimum wage for Singapore?
No homeless,destitute starving people in S'pore:Poverty eradicated
Growing Up With Less
Singapore at 50: From swamp to skyscrapers
Singapore Good Old Times
The Singapore Story
Other Side of The Singapore Story
ChasingThe Singapore Dream
To Be Or Not To Be Singaporeans
Longing for the good old days
Singapore: A Sampan or a Cruise ship?
Singapore at 50: From swamp to skyscrapers
Singapore is ‘World’s Costliest City To Live In’
Coping with Inflation & Cost Of Living
COL goes Up, Up, Up!
Singapore “Swiss” Standard of Living
Tackling poverty the 'kuih lapis' way
Callings for a Poverty Line
Setting a poverty line may not be helpful
A minimum wage for Singapore?
No homeless,destitute starving people in S'pore:Poverty eradicated
Growing Up With Less
