The computer data system for street sleepers established by the Social Welfare Department shows that there are 1,564 street sleepers in 2021/22, a slight decrease from 1,580 in 2020/21, but still more than 1,423 street sleepers in 2019/20.
About 548 rough sleepers were unable to pay rent due to unemployment during the fifth wave.
In addition, there are currently 620 temporary accommodation places for street sleepers. Based on the data of the past few years, the number of street sleepers has generally continued to increase, but the number of temporary accommodation places has remained at a similar level and has not increased. 620 were even lower than the 635 in 2019/20.
Number of street sleepers drops slightly, still more than 1,500
The Labour and Welfare Bureau submitted a written reply to the Legislative Council today, which mentioned that the computer data system for street sleepers established by the SWD showed that there were 1,564 street sleepers in 2021/22, a slight decrease from 1,580 in the previous year.
However, the figure is still more than 100 people sleeping rough compared to 1,423 in 2019/20, and almost double the number of 896 in 2015/16.
As for the reasons for sleeping in the rough, including financial difficulties, discord with family members or other tenants, loss of original residence, etc.
548 street sleepers are unemployed and unable to pay rent under the fifth wave of the epidemic
The data also showed that during the fifth wave of the epidemic, the number of street sleepers who were unable to pay rent mainly due to unemployment was about 548, which was similar to the number of registered persons before the fifth wave of the epidemic of about 561.
According to the authorities, the three integrated service teams for street sleepers subsidized by the SWD will conduct outreach visits to provide appropriate social welfare support and referral services for street sleepers. It will pay attention to service needs and the use of emergency assistance funds, and handle funding arrangements flexibly; SWD will also increase emergency assistance funds when necessary.
Under the epidemic, many homeless people are sleeping rough in Tongzhou Street.
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Number of street sleepers rises but no increase in temporary accommodation
As for the temporary residential places for street sleepers, there are 620 places, of which 228 are subsidized by the SWD and operated by non-governmental organisations. As of December 2021, the average occupancy rate is about 74%.
In addition, 392 places are provided for self-financing NGOs.
Based on the data of the past few years, the number of street sleepers has generally continued to increase, but the number of temporary accommodation places has remained at a similar level and has not increased, and the current number of 620 has decreased from 635 in 2019/20.
When asked whether resources would be increased to help street sleepers get out of their street sleeper life as soon as possible, the authorities pointed out that the SWD will increase resources in 2020-21 to optimize the existing welfare support services for street sleepers; the SWD will also continue to closely monitor the welfare services for street sleepers If necessary, maintain communication and cooperation with stakeholders and relevant departments to provide appropriate welfare support services for street sleepers to help them escape from street living.
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