Debated in Parliament on 20 Mar 2023.
Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in 2022, what is the (i) utilisation rate of Safe, Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps), (ii) number of applicants, (iii) rate of successful placements and (iv) median duration of stay; (b) what are the reasons for not admitting unsuccessful applicants and what follow-up actions have been provided for them; (c) what is the profile of such applicants and whether this has changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) what is the proportion of S3Ps residents who have moved out to stable housing.
Safe, Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps) are temporary shelters provided by community partners on their own premises. As these are voluntarily provided facilities, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track the number provided at any point in time. Nevertheless, when the Social Service Offices work with befriender groups to engage rough sleepers, the availability of places in S3Ps has never been a constraint.
This is because rough sleepers have many varied reasons and motivation. Many do not readily accept the offer of a S3P but need persuasion over weeks, months and even years. For those willing to accept the offer of rehousing, MSF works with other agencies to identify the best option, be it securing a public rental flat or staying in interim shelters, such as S3Ps and Transitional Shelters.
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