Mr Teo’s interview report

 

 

We interviewed Mr Teo, a social work professional who has had a few years of relevant experience in the sector. He works with people who lives on the streets and those who have lost their permanent housing due to various circumstances.

 

 

According to Mr Teo, he mentioned that it is often the decisions individuals or families make that causes them to be homeless. There has been several instances where homeowners sell off their permanent housing in an attempt to solve financial woes that incur from unexpected crises such as sudden hospitalisation, settling outstanding arrears or using the proceeds to ease them over the period of unemployment. Many make these poor judgment calls as they believe that it will be easy for them to purchase another HDB flat or obtain temporary housing in the future. 

 

 

Another contributing factor that results in homelessness is the process of asset distribution after a couple has filed for divorce. Before the divorce is granted, all assets must be divided in a way that is satisfactory to both parties. However, determining which spouse will retain the family home is often a major issue. If children are involved, judges will often grant the home to the parent with primary custody of the children however this is not guaranteed for all cases. Thus, with one spouse granted the family home, the other has to find alternative housing arrangements and more often than not, they are usually unable to find temporary shelter. As a result, they make the streets their home.

 

 

Under the Joint Singles Scheme, it allows two to four single citizens to jointly buy an HDB flat from the open market. However, the downside of this scheme is that occupants may not live in harmony together. As such, disputes may lead to an uncomfortable living environment and as a result, it might cause some of these individuals to move out. With no alternative housing options, eventually, they become homeless. While in other situations, people choose to be homeless on their own accord as housing rent will no longer be a cause for concern and vital utilities like water can still be obtained through public facilities for free.

 

 

To prevent oneself from falling into the situation of being homeless, Mr Teo strongly encourages “individuals to put more thought into decision-making”, or gain access to self-help groups to aid in their process of decision-making. Moreover, it is advisable for individuals to tap on their “first line of defense” - their families, for strong social support and assistance. 

 

 

“Homelessness is a serious issue because there are many issues (or precipitating factors) leading to the onset of this problem." He advises that intervention be done on a case by case basis as the circumstances for each individual differs.

 

 

 

Abraham’s Interview report

 

 

In July 2014, Abraham set up The Homeless Hearts of Singapore Facebook page with some like-minded volunteers who were keen on reaching out to the homeless in Singapore. The Homeless Hearts of Singapore Facebook page was inspired partly by Abraham’s experience from working with the homeless when he was in Tokyo. His objective then was to befriend, encourage and support the homeless in their reintegration back into society.

 

 

We managed to get in touch with Abraham on social media, through his Facebook page. On many occasion, our team followed him on his night outreach, where he introduced us to several homeless individuals who he has befriended. According to Abraham, homeless individuals/families have different reasons as to why they are living on the streets. Sometimes, they are made homeless due to unfortunate circumstances, such as alcohol, gambling, substance abuse addiction, and/or unemployment. In other cases, being homeless is a personal choice for some.

 

 

He also mentioned that although each case is different and unique, what the homeless have in common is that they need friendship and respect. It is an undeniable fact that the homeless need food and money, but they also long to be treated as persons worthy of dignity. Money or food should not be thrown at them with looks of disgust, but handed to them with a sense of empathy and communion.

 

 

Abraham mentioned that a major challenge he face in his field of work is often the shortage of volunteers, as such, Abraham often goes on outreach alone. He acknowledges that there are sufficient donations to go around, but very few volunteers would take the time to sit down, accompany and listen to the homeless while they share about themselves and their stories. It may be because of the amount of patience this requires, for the homeless are oftentimes uneducated or inarticulate. Abraham strongly urges willing volunteers to take the time to listen and understand the varied stories of the homeless - that is the best thing they can do for the homeless.

 

 

Only when each distinctive story is fully understood, can one truly come up with the best possible intervention for the homeless.