Welfare cuts see rise in homeless
Tighter rules on welfare benefits have forced a rising number of people to sleep on the streets and remain jobless, social welfare campaigners say.
The number of homeless people in Shamshuipo has risen by 24 per cent and in Wan Chai the number has soared by 40 per cent since a special-needs allowance cut on June 1, according to surveys by two social service groups.
'We believe there is a strong relationship between the rise in the number of homeless people and the cut in special-needs allowances,' said Wong Hung of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
The surveys found 106 homeless people in Wan Chai. There were 203 homeless people in Shamshuipo.
Mr Wong said the 1998 figures came from the Social Welfare Department while the latest figures were from welfare groups.
Prior to the Government's revamp of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme (CSSA), dole recipients who were able-bodied could obtain rent deposits and removal allowances when moving home.
They could also apply for an emergency allowance. Now the Government only pays their rent.
'Cutting these vital allowances, the Government is denying many CSSA recipients a chance to find a place to live as they cannot afford to pay for the rent deposit or to buy basic necessities for their new homes,' Mr Wong said.
'Besides, few recipients are aware they can apply for a discretionary grant.' Becoming homeless had hurt street sleepers' chances of finding a job as they had no contact point for employers.
A 54-year-old man surnamed Leung had been on the street for years before the Christian Concern for the Homeless Association lent him money to pay the rent deposit for his new home.
'No one will want to hire someone like me without a shelter. All I need is a job. I am even willing to clean toilets,' Mr Leung said.
