Efforts to assist rough sleepers transition to stable housing continue as shelters maintain high occupancy rates
In Singapore, approximately 60% of the 720 available beds at transitional shelters for homeless individuals and families have been occupied annually from 2021 to 2023. These shelters offer temporary housing and support for rough sleepers, with each resident staying for an average of nine months.
Addressing Homelessness and Supporting Transitions
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) operates seven transitional shelters across the island. These shelters provide not only a roof over the head of homeless persons but also social work intervention to help them secure permanent housing, whether through rental flats or purchased homes. The government works closely with social service agencies to facilitate this transition process.
In 2022, Singapore recorded 530 rough sleepers, a significant decline from 921 individuals in 2019, reflecting the effectiveness of efforts aimed at reducing homelessness. The current number translates to about 9 rough sleepers per 100,000 people in Singapore.
Collaborative Support Through the Peers Network
The Peers Network, a collaboration among community groups, social service agencies, and government organizations, plays a vital role in assisting rough sleepers. This network has helped over 1,600 individuals between 2019 and 2023. The MSF’s shelters ensure that social workers are available onsite to offer the necessary support, aiming to resolve challenges hindering access to long-term housing.
Pathway to Permanent Housing
From April 2020 to March 2023, 340 individuals who stayed in these shelters successfully moved on to longer-term housing. There is no set limit on the length of stay in these shelters, allowing social workers to provide tailored interventions to help residents as quickly as possible.
The shelters are available to Singapore citizens or permanent residents who have exhausted other accommodation options.
Challenges and Customized Support
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, Eric Chua, highlighted the complexity of each case when addressing the transition of rough sleepers. He emphasized that every situation requires thoughtful, customized support from various groups to help individuals move from homelessness to stable housing.
