Choy Yuk Bor, street-sleeper Age: 68.
Career path: I came to Hong Kong from Canton in 1948 to avoid conscription. I had a friend here and he helped me get a job in a dai pai dong. I washed dishes and served food until I had some money. Then I bought a hawker's barrow and sold vegetables for more than 10 years. I used to operate from the old Wan Chai market, and I lived in Wan Chai with friends. But it became difficult for illegal hawkers because of a Government crackdown, and I was pushed out by the new markets and vegetable-sellers who could afford stalls. I was 60 and couldn't find another job. It was too risky to keep hawking and I became poorer. I couldn't pay my share for the accommodation and I was forced onto the streets about six years ago.
Bor's day: I stay mainly in Wan Chai at Southorn Playground because I can sleep in the stadium. There are lots of us, and although I don't really talk to the others or join in I am safe. I have an ID card, so when the police come I show them. Nobody seems to worry about us.
During the day I sit on one of the benches and watch the world go by, or I sleep. The others play mah-jong, but I keep to myself. When it is very cold I might go to the Wan Chai shelter for the homeless to spend a night, but I won't go there every night because I can look after myself. About twice a week I go there for a shower.
I have a bag of clothes for winter that I always carry with me, and my suit that somebody gave me, which I wear every day. When I was in hospital recently a gweilo gave me the slippers I wear. I'm not very well and sometimes my whole body aches, so I sleep a lot. I buy a lunchbox most days. I don't do drugs because I can't afford them, I don't smoke and I drink only occasionally. I am not married.
I wouldn't be eligible for assistance in China because I have been gone so long, so I must stay here.
Income: $2,100 a month social aid. I would never beg.