Escaping the eye of the citizen-consumer majority living in Singapore, the homeless are largely forgotten and often misunderstood. Despite Singapore’s international reputation for successful urban planning, with 80% of its population living in HDB flats, there are still those who are homeless here. In contrast to the reality of Singapore being home to the rich and privileged as portrayed by Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians, theirs is a reality delegated to the shadows. Yet it is a reality that deserves our attention, despite being easier to ignore. In this article, I will touch on the need for more research to be published on homelessness as a unique and complex phenomenon in Singapore; recognising dignity as a basic human need, and finally, the necessity of public education and open discussions about the issue.
ON THE SURFACE
Thus far, local media and research papers have relied mainly on published statistics on homeless families and individuals that have received assistance from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). In 2017, The Straits Times reported that there has been a declining number of homeless families identified by the authorities and admitted into shelters, based on MSF’s statistics from between 2014 and 2016. This decline was attributed to the increased efficiency in referring vulnerable families to family service centres for assistance. In the same report, Associate Professor Irene Ng and sociologist Tan Ern Ser from the National University of Singapore (NUS) mentioned that the destitute have more housing options now, with the latter suggesting that they may now become “less choosy when offered shelter or interim housing”.
While the efforts made by the authorities in tackling the problem of homelessness should be lauded we can only begin to understand the real impact of policies on the destitute after hearing their stories, and expanding research beyond those cases recognised by government agencies. Instead of disregarding those who choose to be homeless over the options provided by the housing assistance schemes, there is a need to look at these “options” from their perspective – are they not viable alternatives to homelessness? Understanding these choices require a closer study of what being homeless means in Singapore.
STUDIES ON HOMELESSNESS: BRINGING MATTERS TO LIGHT
Outside of the official statistics on homelessness in Singapore there have been significant efforts made by certain social service organisations to study the homeless community. These observations – as found in annual reports by Catholic Welfare Services and Montford Care – show that the homeless often face a broader ecosystem of surrounding systemic factors, such as a lack of social support. In order to tackle these factors, social workers themselves require close collaboration between various stakeholders to overcome the structural barriers that prevent their clients from securing a home. This collaborative approach appreciates the complexity of problems that the homeless face, ranging from trauma and isolation from their previous lives, to threats to their safety on the streets, and ultimately, the unique circumstances that render them ineligible for public housing.
In a study by SW101 and Montfort Care in 2017 it was found that half of the 180 homeless individuals they surveyed held jobs, while a quarter already have registered addresses. It was the first time that such a point-in-time survey was used to capture the demographics and experiences of the homeless in Singapore. It was interesting to find that most of them were men above the age of 50, although some were in their 20s to 40s, and employed in full-time jobs. Many had either primary or secondary school education, and none of them had sought help from the transitional shelters, or any other help agencies for that matter. As a result, some have been homeless for extended periods of time, ranging from 1 to 5 years.
These findings brought surprise to many who held stereotypical preconceptions of the homeless community, which is that they work part-time jobs, are physically or mentally unsound and have no means of supporting themselves. But Professor Ng Kok Hoe, who was part of the research effort, reflected that the survey findings were a reminder that people with lower skills and education do face volatile wage conditions. You could be working a full-time job yet end up on the streets. Professor Ng highlighted the need to address larger issues of economic opportunity and in-work poverty in Singapore, on top of focusing on rehabilitation through transitional shelters or welfare homes. He argues that many people do have the means to support themselves, except that they are limited. So the question remains:
why do they remain homeless?
THE AVAILABLE CHOICES: PUBLIC HOUSING IN SINGAPORE
To appreciate the needs of the homeless is to have an awareness of the available ‘choices’ they have, in the form of government housing schemes or assistance. First of all, families in search of affordable homes usually seek public rental housing, as they are the most heavily subsidised. However, the outcome of their applications depends on certain requirements: 1) they must not have bought and sold subsidised flats twice, 2) they must not be under the 30-month debarment period, and 3) they must not have a total income that exceeds $1,500. Singles aged 35 and above may also apply for housing under the Joint Singles Scheme, where similar requirements apply. However, it is important to remember that it can be challenging to share an apartment with a stranger, or find a co-tenant to live with in the first place.
For those waiting for their new flats, public rental housing, as well as those waiting for their 30-month debarment period to be over, there is the option of applying for interim rental housing. These are managed by private operators, and require tenants to share a 3-room flat between themselves. Tenancy periods can be extended from six months to a year, and are renewable for up to two years, or until their rental or purchase flats are ready. While these flats provide a buffer to those who are (sometimes suddenly) unable to own or rent their own homes, it also poses a challenge to families who are forced to share limited living space.
Meanwhile, transitional shelters cater to those who have exhausted all housing options and require immediate shelter. These families and individuals are assigned caseworkers at the shelters and social workers at Family Service Centres to focus on improving their family situation, sourcing for relevant assistance and making plans to secure long-term housing. Individuals and families are only allowed stay for up to six months in the shelters, at very low rental fees.
Finally, welfare homes cater to individuals who are unable to work, have no financial means and have neither accommodation nor family support. These people have no other place to turn to and have complex needs and risks that prevent them from being discharged into the community.
DIGNITY: A BASIC HUMAN NEED
In all the options mentioned above, it is evident that there is little room to be “choosy” and homeless families and individuals would just have to make do. One might say that it is understandably so, as the majority of Singaporeans have to pay premium prices for the purchase of HDB flats. Yet the process of seeking assistance and proving that they are worthy of assistance can be arduous and demeaning to vulnerable and marginalised individuals who have worked hard, but have not yet achieved enough to reap their rewards. Clients report having a sense of helplessness as their efforts bear little to no fruit in achieving their goals of home ownership.
In order to bridge the widening gap in income and empathy in our society, there is a need to acknowledge the structural factors that have persistently prevented a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities. We need to challenge the assumption that we live in a “meritocratic” system that rewards citizens for their efforts, and that homelessness is the result of a lack of trying. We need to consider how those born with economic and social capital might have an invisible edge over those who are not, yet their achievements are often celebrated as born of their own efforts. Bearing these disparities in mind, the homeless not only deserve but need to be treated with dignity. Addressing this need for dignity in helping the destitute is as important as addressing their more tangible basic needs, such as food, shelter and security.
WHAT CAN SINGAPOREANS DO TO HELP?
Abraham Yeo, founder of the Homeless Hearts of Singapore, believes that it is important to provide the homeless with emotional support and companionship. In an interview with Channel NewsAsia, he expressed that humans need to feel needed and cared for in our relationships. Living in the shadows of society often is an alienating experience, especially when the prospect of “home” is shrouded by tedious paperwork and a long, afflicting wait.
When it comes to housing assistance schemes, Professor Ng noted that their being “residual, highly selective, and strictly means-tested” has contributed to a social stigma in which the homeless feel unworthy, as long as they are unable to display the deficiencies that allow them to qualify for help. I have to also add that, from my observations of my clients, especially when it pertains to housing in particular, I find that most mothers will fight tooth and claw to provide a safe environment for their children. However, the fact that none of those surveyed by SW101 and Montford Care had sought help reflects their negative perception of social service agencies, which I have also seen in my own clients. Having to churn out detailed accounts of one’s daily expenditure, and have every seemingly relevant decision scrutinised by a caseworker, can sometimes be painful and debasing for a person. Hence, when the going gets tough, the tough often stick it out on their own.
Consider Mdm Haifa (not her real name), a client of the Adopt a Family and Youth Scheme (AFYS) under the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), who became homeless with her two children after her divorce forced her to sell her matrimonial flat. Not only did her divorce crush her self-esteem, she was told that she did not qualify for public rental housing because she could not justify spending all her sales profit on basic needs, as well as the purchase of insurance as a form of forced savings for her children’s future. Feeling frustrated with the system and disappointed by the people around her, Mdm Haifa fought the desire to turn in on herself. Thankfully, her children provided her with a gift that many destitute do not have – a vision that allowed her to see beyond her loneliness, pushing her to seek alternative sources of help.
While Mdm Haifa managed to survive on food rations from assistance schemes and food distributions by voluntary groups, it was her involvement in such distributions that really strengthened and restored her sense of dignity. She found friendship in other members that share a passion for community work and purpose in knowing that her efforts brought ease to others. Although she eventually got a public rental flat after waiting for four years, it was this sense of belonging that made her feel like she had a home.
While making connections within their smaller communities are crucial for the destitute, it is important to also consider how the larger community might be able to communicate and share their resources with the homeless. But in order for this to happen, the public first needs to know that such a vulnerable community exists and deserves their support. It then becomes the joint responsibility of government agencies, social service organisations and independent groups to work together not only in understanding the needs of homeless persons, but also in making these needs known.
In an interview with The Straits Times about social workers’ perception of poverty, Professor Ng once said that issues such as poverty and social policy should be given greater emphasis in education. He also believes that there must be platforms beyond just organisations, where social workers can connect and discuss such issues. But in addition to discussions among students and professionals, there is also a need to raise public awareness about homelessness among people from various sectors and backgrounds. For instance, platforms such as the CommaCon campaign by AMP can also be used to discuss homelessness, and plant seeds of change for the better. While homelessness is certainly a complex issue, it is all the more pressing that more people are given space to talk about it and push for action. ⬛
Nurdiyanah Mohd Nassir is currently a case officer at AMP. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor in Social Sciences (with Honours) in Sociology and is pursuing a graduate diploma in social work.
