Third project approved under Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels
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To help further meet the housing needs of young people and assist with their development, the Chief Executive announced in the 2022 Policy Address that the Government would explore ways to increase the supply of youth hostels, including subsidising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to rent suitable hotels and guesthouses for use as youth hostels, with the target of providing about 3 000 additional hostel places within five years. To this end, the HYAB launched the Subsidy Scheme in early January 2023 to subsidise NGOs to rent suitable hotels and guesthouses for use as youth hostels. The HYAB has approved the first two projects under the Subsidy Scheme in March and April 2023 respectively.
The youth hostel under the third project approved under the Subsidy Scheme encompasses an entire building on 86 and 88 Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, with a total of 42 rooms providing up to 84 hostel places. In collaboration with the Chinese Estates Holdings Limited, the Lady Lau Memorial Charitable Foundation Limited will launch the project and operate the youth hostel under the name of Joseph's House. One of the attributes of the project is that workshops and events on various themes, such as self-development, community services, and cultural exchange, will be organised for the youth tenants. These opportunities will not only facilitate life planning of youth tenants, broaden their horizons and enhance their personal growth, but also deepen their understanding of the country and the world as a whole. Details about the project and the means of application will be announced on the website of Joseph's House (www.josephshouse.hk).
A spokesperson of the HYAB said, "Joseph's House is the first project under the Subsidy Scheme located in Kowloon. With its central location in Kowloon, it is easily accessible by different means of transport and in close proximity to community facilities and the 'hipster hub' in the district, which would well cater for the various daily needs of the youth tenants. With the approval of the third project under the Subsidy Scheme, it highlights the support towards the Scheme from different sectors of the community and their eagerness to join hands with the Government to address the housing needs of young people together. The HYAB will continue to collaborate with NGOs and relevant stakeholders who share our vision to implement the next project under the Subsidy Scheme as soon as possible."
Details about the Subsidy Scheme, including the guidelines to application and the application forms, have been uploaded onto the HYAB's website (www.hyab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/Social_Harmony_and_Civic_Education/youth_hostel_scheme.htm). Relevant organisations can submit their applications to the HYAB by post, email or other means.
Ends/Thursday, July 20, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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