HDB Rental Flats for Displaced and Homeless Individuals

23 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) of the more than 900 homeless individuals and families displaced between 2013 and 2015, what are the longest, shortest and average periods of displacement encountered by them; (b) what percentage of these homeless cases has been the outcome of unsuccessful applications for a HDB rental flat; and (c) what are some of the measures that the Ministry has with HDB to flag out potential displacement and homeless cases at the point of application for a rental flat.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social and Family Development (Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim) (for the Minister for Social and Family Development): Mdm Speaker, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) provided support and shelter to 543 homeless individuals and 374 homeless families between 2013 and 2015. Some of them had sold their flat due to debt or divorce, or could not continue staying with their families because of strained relationships or behavioural issues. They would often first approach close relatives or friends to take them in or rent from the open market, intermittently for a few days or up to several months.

Of these cases assisted by MSF, about half applied for a rental flat, of which about half were successful. Those who were unsuccessful mostly had other housing options when they applied, such as being able to afford a flat or having family support. Some could be existing owners of a flat. HDB, MSF and social service agencies would work together to assist these individuals and families to explore alternative housing options.

HDB recognises that families with young children and elderly dependants may have greater needs. HDB considers their circumstances and exercises flexibility on a case-by-case basis. For some families and individuals who have no other place to stay, MSF works with social service agencies to identify temporary shelter options while they find other accommodation. We also address their other needs, which may include counselling, financial assistance, employment and other factors that contribute to their housing instability.

Government and community agencies such as Social Service Offices, Family Service Centres and HDB Branches in each town also coordinate identification and support for individuals and families who may be at risk of homelessness. Families which are facing mortgage arrears, for example, may receive a combination of financial help, emotional support and guidance.

MSF will continue to work closely with HDB and community partners to provide assistance to homeless families and individuals and to help them to regain stability.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied): Madam, two supplementary questions. One is that the Parliamentary Secretary has not answered part (c) of my question, which is: what are some of the measures that the Ministry has with HDB to flag out potential displacement and homeless cases at the point of application for a rental flat? My second question is I would like to ask the Ministry whether it foresees the homeless trend increasing in the next five years; if so, how does the Ministry plan to tackle this trend?

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Madam, I would like to thank the Member for the questions. As I mentioned in my answer, HDB, MSF and other agencies work very closely together. At every touchpoint that we have, we would check with one another and have a holistic assessment as to how we can take care of residents or fellow Singaporeans.

On the homelessness trend, I am unable to comment on this. Nevertheless, I want to assure the Member and fellow Singaporeans that caring for Singaporeans is key and at the heart of no matter what we do. In fact, I am thankful to Singaporeans who at times share with me incidents or photographs of people who they suspect may have difficulties, through my Facebook or other platforms. I am also pleased to share with all Members that our staff work into the wee hours of the night to look after fellow Singaporeans.

One example is where I received a Facebook post on a case somewhere in the northern part of Singapore. My staff went all the way in the wee hours to see how we can help that fellow Singaporean. This is something that we must continue to do because it takes everyone to make Singapore a special place; more so, we want to make sure that fellow Singaporeans are at the heart of what we do.

3.00 pm

Mdm Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. Leader of the House.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos 24-28, 30, 33, 35, 37-38 and 40-41 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix. Question Nos 29, 31-32, 34, 36 and 39 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 14 March 2016.]