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Feb 11, 2010
Squatting in parks not the same as camping
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WE REFER to Mr Joshua Chiang's letter on Sunday, 'The homeless deserve better treatment'.
Camping in our parks is for recreational purposes only. Squatting in parks is illegal and not a viable option for people with housing difficulties.
When officers from the National Parks Board encounter squatters, they will refer them to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports for assistance.
Pursuant to the Destitute Persons Act, anyone found in a public place with no means of subsistence or accommodation will be admitted to a welfare home for evaluation and rehabilitation.
In addition, people who need short-term accommodation may apply for transitional shelters run by voluntary welfare organisations. Social workers will help them resolve their social and financial problems. The aim is to help them return to proper accommodation by renting or buying or sharing a flat with relatives.
The HDB flats Mr Chiang referred to are the interim rental housing (IRH) flats. These flats are to help those in financial difficulty with temporary accommodation, while they work out their longer-term housing solutions. IRH is not intended to be used as a permanent shelter for the homeless.
Singaporeans facing social and financial problems should seek help early from family service centres and community development councils so appropriate and timely measures can be taken.
We also urge members of the public to call the ComCare hotline on 1800- 222-0000 if they are aware of any individuals with housing difficulties.
Jason Wong
Director, Rehabilitation, Protection & Residential Services
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports
Kong Yit San
Director (Parks)
National Parks Board
Mike Chan
Deputy Director (Rental Housing)
Housing and Development Board
Squatting in parks not the same as camping
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
WE REFER to Mr Joshua Chiang's letter on Sunday, 'The homeless deserve better treatment'.
Camping in our parks is for recreational purposes only. Squatting in parks is illegal and not a viable option for people with housing difficulties.
When officers from the National Parks Board encounter squatters, they will refer them to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports for assistance.
Pursuant to the Destitute Persons Act, anyone found in a public place with no means of subsistence or accommodation will be admitted to a welfare home for evaluation and rehabilitation.
In addition, people who need short-term accommodation may apply for transitional shelters run by voluntary welfare organisations. Social workers will help them resolve their social and financial problems. The aim is to help them return to proper accommodation by renting or buying or sharing a flat with relatives.
The HDB flats Mr Chiang referred to are the interim rental housing (IRH) flats. These flats are to help those in financial difficulty with temporary accommodation, while they work out their longer-term housing solutions. IRH is not intended to be used as a permanent shelter for the homeless.
Singaporeans facing social and financial problems should seek help early from family service centres and community development councils so appropriate and timely measures can be taken.
We also urge members of the public to call the ComCare hotline on 1800- 222-0000 if they are aware of any individuals with housing difficulties.
Jason Wong
Director, Rehabilitation, Protection & Residential Services
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports
Kong Yit San
Director (Parks)
National Parks Board
Mike Chan
Deputy Director (Rental Housing)
Housing and Development Board
