EditorialPlight of homeless in Hong Kong must not be forgotten
Official numbers appear to be falling, but a non-governmental group says its frontline workers have seen an increased demand for their services
Homeless numbers have been falling in Hong Kong. While it is an encouraging sign that housing supply and other conditions have been improving, the community must ensure the most vulnerable are not forgotten.
The number of registered street sleepers fell 40 per cent to a 10-year low of 795 in the 2023-24 financial year. That compared with 1,441 the previous year, according to data released by the Social Welfare Department last month.
The latest numbers hint that the trend continues, with 672 people registered as of December.
Some have credited an increase in housing supply for some of the improvement. By the end of last year, the homeless had access to 228 short-term hostel places with an average occupancy rate of 73 per cent.
Transitional homes have also been made available, although most of them are in the New Territories.
However, the ImpactHK, an NGO, said its frontline workers had seen an increased demand for services, indicating government figures may not be accurate.
Social workers believe evictions from public areas have only pushed homeless people into areas near housing estates, shopping centres or even public toilets.