Housing, jobs, rebuilding family ties: 17 projects to be piloted to help rough sleepers in S’pore
Homeless youth will get support including mentoring, family mediation, and vocational guidance.
The Singapore government has announced 17 pilot projects to assist rough sleepers in their journey towards stability and family cohesion. These initiatives, supported by the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF) Partnership to Tackle Homelessness (PATH) Fund, aim to provide housing, employment opportunities, and family support.
Among the projects, a drop-in centre will offer meals, showers, and counseling services. A program will also connect single rough sleepers with compatible co-tenants to expedite their access to public rental housing. Additionally, micro-jobs and apprenticeships will help individuals gain work experience and improve their financial stability.
Homeless youth will receive support through mentoring, family mediation, and vocational guidance. A tool to identify individuals at risk of homelessness will be developed to enable early intervention. The projects, led by organizations such as Bless Community Services and Hope Initiative Alliance, were unveiled on August 19 at an appreciation event for community partners.
Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, Desmond Lee, highlighted the network's expansion from 24 partners to over 80, with a focus on broader partnerships, increased outreach, and innovative solutions. The PATH Fund will support ground-up innovation to develop practical solutions on the ground. Six of the projects will also enhance existing Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps), providing safe overnight accommodation for rough sleepers seeking formal assistance.
One notable project is Catholic Welfare Services' Galilee - Drop-In Centre for Rough Sleepers, which will offer meals, showers, and counseling in a more informal setting. Another initiative by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore and New Hope Community Services will support newly housed residents in becoming familiar with their neighborhoods and connecting with local services, neighbors, businesses, and community programs.
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