Support for Homeless People with Health Problems

49 Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in light of the findings of a study by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, "Homeless in Singapore: Results from a Nationwide Street Count", how does the Ministry plan to support homeless people with health problems.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Homeless persons include people without access to housing as well as rough sleepers who have homes but face difficulty returning for various social reasons such as hoarding, or conflict with family members or co-tenants. Homeless persons often grapple with various issues such as unemployment and conflicts with families. Some may also have health problems. MSF works closely with various community partners and many government agencies through the PEERS Network, which stands for Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers Network, to assist them. Together, we actively reach out to, befriend and engage homeless people and support them based on their needs. Those who are willing to seek assistance will be referred to the appropriate help agencies, such as Family Service Centres (FSCs) for social work support to reconcile with family members, and Social Service Offices (SSOs) for financial assistance.

At FSCs and SSOs, our officers will refer clients who need medical help to the appropriate healthcare institutions and make arrangements for them to be accompanied to the medical appointments. FSCs and SSOs also work with medical professionals to develop integrated care plans for such clients to receive the necessary medical services and support in the community. Clients who are eligible can receive subsidies for medical services at participating clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). Those who face difficulty with their healthcare bills may qualify for MediFund assistance. ComCare clients will receive assistance with their medical bills at polyclinics and restructured hospitals.

MSF has also collaborated with our PEERS partners to set up Safe Sound Sleeping Places, or S3Ps, to provide homeless persons with a safe environment to rest for the night. S3Ps are typically sited in premises of religious organisations and provide safe overnight stays. They complement Transitional Shelters and Senior Group Homes for seniors, which are funded by MSF.

At Transitional Shelters, operators provide shelter and onsite social work intervention to homeless persons, with the goal to help them to secure long-term stable housing. There are also housing options in the community such as Senior Group Homes which provide assisted living in public rental flats for frail seniors.

MSF and our PEERS partners will continue to strive to ensure the health and well-being of homeless people. If members of the public encounter any homeless people, they can play a part by calling the ComCare hotline at 1800 222 0000, or refer them to the nearest Social Service Office or Family Service Centre for assistance.