Risk Points Identified in Street Count of Rough Sleepers 2025 Report for Entry into Long-term Homelessness

Dr Hamid Razak asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in light of findings from the Street Count of Rough Sleepers 2025 report and the longitudinal study on Ending Long-Term Homelessness (a) whether the Ministry has assessed life transitions, such as marital breakdown, incarceration release, eviction and institutional discharge, as risk points for entry into long-term homelessness; and (b) whether upstream, cross-agency prevention frameworks are in place or under development.

The 2025 Street Count of Rough Sleepers report by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) found that around 500 individuals sleeping rough on a single night.

MSF recognises that certain life transitions can be stress points and increase vulnerability for some individuals. These could be strained relationships, problems with securing or keeping housing, financial issues, incarceration or a combination of the above.

Part of our approach is therefore upstream, to reach out to and provide support to those who need assistance during the transitions when they may be more vulnerable. For instance, individuals undergoing divorce may access support, such as counselling and financial guidance, through the Family Service Centres. If there are housing concerns, they are guided on available public housing options and interim support. Persons released from incarceration are supported through coordinated reintegration efforts, including case management and transitional programmes, led by community partners and relevant agencies. Those without viable accommodation are linked to appropriate assistance. Individuals facing eviction or institutional discharge are similarly supported through casework interventions, financial assistance schemes and referrals to temporary shelter options where necessary.

We will continue to refine our inter-agency efforts to reduce incidences of rough sleeping in Singapore, including further upstream efforts to work with various Government agencies to identify at-risk persons or families.