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Following is a question by Hon Wong Yuk-man and a reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, in the Legislative Council today (October 16):
Question:
Some government officials reportedly said at the meeting of the Sham Shui Po District Council held on September 3 this year that the rise in the number of street sleepers in the district in recent years was attributable to the distribution of materials and meal boxes to them by some enthusiastic organisations and members of the public, thereby thwarting street sleepers' desire to quit street-sleeping and attracting street sleepers from other districts to move to Sham Shui Po. In addition, some voluntary organisations servicing street sleepers have relayed to me that the Home Affairs Department had arranged a discussion with them on the issue of street sleepers in a high-class clubhouse at Yau Yat Chuen, and these organisations considered the venue incompatible with the content of the meeting. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether the aforesaid remarks of the government officials were based on the findings of investigations or studies; if so, of the details;
(b) why the Home Affairs Department had arranged for the discussion with the voluntary organisations on the issue of street sleepers in a high-class club house at Yau Yat Chuen; and
(c) whether it has assessed if the Government's current policy for supporting street sleepers can resolve the pressure and difficulties in living faced by street sleepers; if it has assessed, of the findings and details; if the findings of the assessment are in the negative, whether and when the Government will review the related policy?
Reply:
President,
My reply to Hon Wong Yuk-man's question is as follows:
(a) At the Sham Shui Po District Council meeting held on September 3, 2013, members submitted papers to discuss the issue of street sleepers in light of local residents' concerns. During the discussion, the Sham Shui Po District Office (SSPDO) and Social Welfare Department (SWD) explained to members the assistance provided by the Government to street sleepers and how SSPDO co-ordinated efforts of relevant departments to improve the district's environmental hygiene. Individual government officials also quoted the views and concerns they have received. At the same time, they also expressed at the meeting due recognition of and appreciation towards local organisations and the public for their compassion towards street sleepers in the district.
We are aware that the above remarks made by SSPDO and SWD have caused concerns in some sectors. I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Government is indeed highly appreciative of the care of local organisations, welfare organisations and compassionate business owners for street sleepers. Their charitable acts complement the work of various government departments.
(b) SSPDO and SWD met with the representatives of various organisations involved in assisting street sleepers in Sham Shui Po on April 15, 2013 and exchanged views on the issue. According to SSPDO, a room was arranged in a restaurant of a clubhouse in the district for a lunch meeting. The choice of the venue was made known to the attendees on April 10 and no comment on the venue had been received. The expenses incurred and the arrangements for the lunch meeting were in compliance with the relevant Government requirements. The meeting facilitated the participants' understanding of the concerns of both street sleepers and local residents, and the views and experience shared are conducive to the handling of the issue.
(c) The Government is highly concerned about the plight of street sleepers. The subject is a complex social problem, involving policies of various bureaux and departments. A number of welfare organisations and concern groups are also actively involved. Moreover, as a subject that concerns local residents, it is discussed by some District Councils from time to time.
SWD in conjunction with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have all along provided appropriate assistance to street sleepers. Street sleepers who are in need may also seek assistance from the Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers (ISTs) or Integrated Family Service Centres.
To address the financial needs of street sleepers, SWD provides funding to each IST as emergency fund every year to cover eligible users' expenses such as payment of rent, rental deposit, living costs and other removal expenses, etc. SWD or NGO service units will also, having regard to individual circumstances, refer eligible persons to apply for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme or charitable trust funds.
Regarding the housing needs of street sleepers, those who have pressing housing needs, including street sleepers, can apply to the Housing Department through SWD for compassionate rehousing for public rental housing (PRH). To address the emergency and short-term accommodation needs of street sleepers, SWD subvents NGOs to operate five urban hostels and two emergency shelters, providing a total of around 200 accommodation places. Besides, there are seven hostels operated by NGOs on a self-financing basis, providing a total of nearly 400 places of overnight or temporary accommodation for street sleepers.
On medical services, needy street sleepers can use various medical and mental health services under the Hospital Authority (HA) and the Department of Health. Moreover, SWD has set up Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) across the territory since 2010, providing community mental health support services for those in need. Social workers of ISTs can refer cases to ICCMWs and psychiatric specialist out-patient clinics under HA for follow-up.
Moreover, we endeavour to support street sleepers to enhance their self-reliance. The Labour Department provides comprehensive and free employment support services to help them seek appropriate employment.
Ends/Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:26
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