Debated in Parliament on 20 Oct 2022.
Ms Poh Li San asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the 860 unique applicants for transitional shelters in 2021 are consistent with the annual applications in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022; (b) if not, what are the respective annual numbers of applicants; (c) from 2018 to 2022, what is the average duration of stay at these shelters annually; (d) what is the basic demographic information of the applicants; and (e) what are the types of accommodation which they move out to upon discharge.
In 2021, there were 860 unique applicants for Transitional Shelters (TSes). This is higher than the annual average of 420 applications from 2018 to 2020 and 660 in 2022. The year 2020 was when we were in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, where more rough sleepers sought shelter due to closure of public spaces, health concerns and travel restrictions. Three TSes were set up in 2021 and 2022 to provide shelter and support to persons requiring temporary shelter.
The average duration of stay in TSes was about six months from 2018 to 2020 and about eight months from 2021 to 2022.
The majority, or 68%, of applicants to TSes are male. The average age of TS applicants is 50.
TS clients are usually discharged to public rental housing or open market rental housing. Some also purchase their own homes or stay with families and friends. For those who could now go back to their homes after travel restrictions were lifted, they have done so, too.
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