A fairer share: Hope grows to solve subdivided housing problem
As a low-rental flat scheme that puts poor families in touch with philanthropic landlords gains traction, hope grows for others seeking to escape the hell of subdivided housing, writes Bernice Chan
Kicking a ball back and forth in a small passageway in their three-bedroom flat in Yau Tong, Shing-shing, three years old, and Billy, five years old, are clearly having fun. Although the space of just over 700 sq ft is a squeeze for three single-parent families, it's a step up from the subdivided flats in which they used to live.
The two boys are in good spirits, as are their mothers, both gradually rebuilding their lives after heartbreaking personal setbacks.
"We used to live in a subdivided public housing flat with five other people," says Billy's mother, K.K. So.
"In 2011, I got my Hong Kong ID card and then one day my husband left for the day and never came back," So says. "I called his mobile many times, but there was no answer and eventually the phone was disconnected. I filed a police report, but I have not heard from him since."
So's relatives in Hong Kong could only offer limited help, which is how she and Billy ended up living in a tiny room in a subdivided flat, just big enough for a bed and their few belongings.
