How We Became Homeless In Singapore | Homeless In Singapore - Part 1/3 | Full Episode

Hidden in plain sight, the homeless population in Singapore is largely forgotten and misunderstood. The assumption is often that they have done something wrong in their lives, but homelessness is often a complex issue. Even people who have worked their entire lives in good jobs can end up homeless.
In part one of the series, we meet three homeless individuals to find out how they ended up being homeless and how they are surviving without a home, in a tightly-regulated city like Singapore.
WATCH MORE Homeless In Singapore
Part 2: • Surviving Singapore's ...
Part 3: • How Can I Get Out Of H...
00:32 Homelessness can happen to anyone
11:09 Where are the rough sleepers?
14:27 Creative hacks to survive homelessness
25:10 Temporary night shelters to house the homeless
31:11 Support available for young homeless people in Singapore
40:06 The issue with long-term homelessness
44:50 Breaking rules in the night shelter
====
About the show: Singapore boasts one of the world’s highest rates of homeownership, thanks to a much-lauded public housing programme. So, why do some people still end up homeless?
========
#CNAInsider #HomelessInSingaporeCNA #Homeless #Singapore
For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER
cna.asia/insideryoutubesub
Follow CNA INSIDER on:
Instagram: / cnainsider
Facebook: / cnainsider
Website: cna.asia/cnainsider

[@hamburger_milkshake1585]

i felt that the guy at 32:00 who said that "youths can just apologize to your father/mother and go home" is EXTREMELY tone deaf. I had a hard time staying with my controlling mother for 30 years, and my mental health improved tons once I got married and moved out. He is only thinking from the perspective of the "rebellious teens" and not abusive parents. There are so many cases of controlling, toxic parents that wreck havoc on their kids' lives. How would 'saying sorry' and moving back help when the parents are the problem?

[@agymayachelonia8381]

exactly my thoughts too. If it were just that simple. I found the guy who said that lacking empathy.

[@celestialstar124]

Agree that some unfortunate people have really toxic parents. 😢

[@padorupadoru4477]

the young guy isnt exactly a saint either, later on in the video they did talk about the problems they had with him being unable to follow simple rules and guidelines

[@ivantanzh17]

yes and no, I do think he meant for some of them where its like how this guy is where he is just unable to follow simple rules. say if its toxic parents, he did mention that it is possible for them to stay, or refer to a social worker, which is why they all recommend to seek help and there really is no shame in that

[@haohanolamall1624]

that young fella has a horrible attitude and heck care mindset, thats why he got kicked out by his mother, who probably thought some time on the streets will let him wise up, but he continued being rebellious, to the point even the shelter kick him out, at least he made a final good decision to enlist in the army

[@kaiwaweew6551]

This is tons better than Netflix. Real family drama, romance, bromance all rolled into one while providing deep insights into the struggles of our invisible poor. Kudos to the unsung heroes, our underpaid and under-recognised social workers.

[@jon8697]

Hi opposition supporters pls note that not all sleep outside r homeless. They r just stubborn , dont use them and attack our govt. Govt help alot ardy. U see if US, taiwan, japan help or nt. Singapore the oy country that want to help every single homeless.

[@asahel980]

@@jon8697 are you a kid or stupid? Singapore like any other rich city common people are being outpriced rent is rising that most of them cannot afford it so they choose to sleep outside.

[@condorX2]

4:52 + 9:14 pair this two shy guy together. I wanna see how they can get along. Those social workers are such angles! 😂

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

I hope the interview subjects were compensated in some way.

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@jon8697that's why Singapore blindly supports China's authoritarian totalitarian dictatorial government because China claims it has no homeless people.

[@angjianpeng8034]

Mr Hamad really breaks my heart. He’s had to go through so much in life and has more to go through and yet he keeps at it. He takes really good care of himself making sure he doesn’t fall sick/ is unable to work so that he can provide for those around him. He wants to work even at his age and even with his circumstances to support his son and his family…😢

[@wetheboms]

I just realize Mr Hamad is staying near my area. 😮

[@saf00]

someone shld tell him our tap water is potable. save $5.30 every week.

[@radical0ne3]

@@wetheboms Hi may i ask where is he located

[@celestialstar124]

+1 😊 He sound similar to a cleaner who use to sleep at my estate multiple story carpark. He also have wife and 4 children to support in Indonesia. He works as cleaner. Luckily he managed to co rent a flat with another person with the help of social workers. My mum visited his flat in hari raya 2023. He is so grateful to everyone who helped him.

[@urbn9t]

He has to work to support his down syndrome son whom his ex-wife is looking after. But he also went to Bandung to re-marry and has a primary school age daughter. I mean......

[@sohsaraaa]

Oh mann I hope after this video goes out, those who shared about their lifestyle and hiding spots don’t get chased away by town council 😢

[@Tucker8087]

So true! 😢

[@yukilynx3526]

It's sad but I feel like after this video's posted, them being chased away by town council is inevitable :((

[@jonathanliew5536]

Singapore government really that bad meh 🫤

[@Jinkypigs]

Not likely dude. Especially since some of these are know cases with social worker attached. Moreover, as long as they do not make a nuisance of themselves, town councils have other fishes to fry.

[@marcuslim8138]

If other Singaporeans don't complain, then it's not a problem. It's always when other people complain then they create the problem.

[@spaaggetii]

No matter where you live in the world it is good that there are Volunteers willing to help people in need. These people are the heroes that no one see's or notices. Bless them all!

[@coldbluemptybottle]

This is heart breaking, this old lady pour all her resource to her business yet she end up homeless at a very old age. I admire her courage to gamble thru life without hesitation even if it can cost her everything she owns. I truly believe that she can still get back up, she seemed to be a fighter and not a depress type of person that gives up and dies easily in battle.

[@y0kozuna]

Break my heart's to see elderly living homeless, that sweet grandma look like my mother 😢

[@user-jo3cy3wz9r]

Cute auntie and uncle, stay healthy❤️ They are so strong and their resilience is admirable, especially considering their age. Respect!!!

[@shimmy1366]

you stay healthy too!!

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@shimmy1366China is healthy too. that's why Singapore blindly supports China's authoritarian totalitarian dictatorial government because China claims it has no homeless people.

[@MKiurinuRigold]

The guy that says children need to be with families have no idea how some parents aren’t fit to be parents to kids - everyone has their own reasons on avoiding families

[@jon8697]

Hi opposition supporters pls note that not all sleep outside r homeless. They r just stubborn , dont use them and attack our govt. Govt help alot ardy. U see if US, taiwan, japan help or nt. Singapore the oy country that want to help every single homeless.

[@jaslynkoh7364]

@@jon8697 PAP supporter. Did you watched the full video? That boy is being chased out by his parents. And nobody is attacking govt. Get your facts right. And where you get such silly info that US, Taiwan and Japan will not help their citizens? Pls show some respect to this countries.

[@empirestate8791]

A significant population of homeless people in Singapore actually have subsidized housing. They're older single people who live in housing with a stranger. Unfortunately, these flats are very tiny, often not even having separate bedrooms, and this leads to conflicts between the two people, leading one to move out and sleep on the streets or in a shelter. It's similar to the scenario where youths under 35 are homeless, because they often have disputes with their family. It's difficult and even tone-deaf to simply tell people to "move back in" - a lot of time family members have mental health issues or are abusive, which makes it difficult to live with them, and people prefer to move out and sleep in a shelter rather than live at home where they have to endure abuse and conflict.

[@blesseddc5093]

The problem is some even get kicked out of shelters. So who is the problem? They or their families? I think many of them need psychiatric help.

[@ewong1432]

32:00 nope. NOPE. some parents are abusive, sending the young adults back to the family might do more harm than good.

[@ayo3850]

exactly my point thank you for pointing that out too

[@lucyfiniarel2347]

@@iamjaydennn they just floated it as a possibility because it's not so simple why people are stuck in bad situations. it's naive to assume everyone has it good like you. like why are you're here insisting that's impossible.

[@BeyondTheSide]

the way he says it is 1. try go home 2. if cannot, go shelter for one night then go home 3. if still cannot then social workers come in, prob find job and rent it's not just "no la, diedie must go home." idk why ppl are against what he says.

[@Lucas-ov9ky]

​​@@BeyondTheSide ​Yes but the way he said it was lacking of empathy, by using terms like 'very simple' as if it's really so simple for a child who escaped to reconcile back with their family. He never thought that the family might actually be an issue first but immediately tried to put blame on the child, thinking that saying sorry and going back to their room is good enough. Also, he gave those alternatives only when the interviewer asked him what if his proposal was not an option. If the interviewer had not asked that, I doubt he would've even mentioned them.

[@haohanolamall1624]

@@Lucas-ov9ky i could sense not a lack of empathy, but more of a "jaded" mindset, there's plenty of runaway kids (some only 10 years old) reported in the news recently, most of it really can be solved with a simple apology and go back home, this fella in the documentary is not a simple runaway case, he's a ex-gangster (by his own admission) who got into gangfights and kena probation, and the family most likely put up a bond to ensure his good behaviour but he's breaking curfew constantly, that bond money is probably gone by now, he has really poor self discipline even at the shelter, and makes no efforts to find a proper job (plenty out there! hawkers, restaurants, warehouses, even grab has a program to loan you a PAB to deliver food), the only good decision he made at the end is to enlist in the army

[@kaidollarsense]

The young fella... not too sure what to feel about his situation, but at the very least should be more prudent with his money and not spend $100 a week on arcade games.

[@hahaha5803]

I think it’s great that CNA is shedding light on the homelessness in Singapore, although the sound effects in this mini docuseries is off putting it portrays the show as a crime thriller which discounts the compassionate aspects that our social workers are working for. They should really take some notes from our grandfather story for a more humanistic touch.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? HDB Paris

[@mohdfahmi8841]

Ai....

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@NazriBthat's why Singapore blindly supports China's authoritarian totalitarian dictatorial government because China claims it has no homeless people.

[@juneepie7984]

truly though, when they were searching for rough sleepers in the first part, it felt more like a wildlife doc where they were searching or hunting for wild animals ha

[@vijayafernando1]

Homelessness in UK is worse with minus 5 degrees Centigrade ,people who are homeless die at the age of 50

[@muhammadzhafranbahaman6401]

I am very impressed with Mr Hamid. He thought us how to live frugally and a simple life. He could afford to rent a home and stay comfortably.

[@simpernchong]

Me too.

[@mohdfahmi8841]

Ai......!!//!//¡//;;//;;;//;;;//;;¡//.

[@lixp7280]

Thank you CNA for always producing top-notch documentaries!

[@nugget7865]

Only comment I have is maybe skip the dramatic sound effects, like, really?

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@nugget7865 No drama in China . Only real bliss in China. that's why Singapore blindly supports China's authoritarian totalitarian dictatorial government because China claims it has no homeless people.

[@celestialstar124]

Mega thank you to these social workers for helping them

[@gracetsensiewlynn5140]

It's so sad yet so heartwarming to know there are people who care deeply ...❤

[@martinlee5850]

Upon hearing this, many people subconsciously adopt stereotypes of homeless people, that they are lazy and/unemployed, which is how they ended up sleeping on the streets in the first place. But according to a survey by welfare organisation Montfort Care and volunteer group SW101 in 2017, two third of the 180 street-sleepers who were interviewed said they have a job and more than 25% said they even have a flat to their name. A quarter of them are also married. The survey dispelled these stereotypes about homeless people in Singapore.

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Every homeless case is unique No one including the social workers should even stereotype them However Msf expects one size fits all approach Lump under same shelter

[@wasabipeas2850]

My rankings of the homeless people featured in this episode: 1. Hamid - his approach to cleanliness is amazing and puts some people with a house to shame 2. Teo - 80 something and still fighting, shame on those people reporting her for rough sleeping, don't they have better things to do 🙄 3. Darius - for those who criticise him for spending his money on arcades. He is doing it to pass time like what Teo does in the library. Also to socialise with his friends which is important to not go insane. Not the correct approach from a financial point of view but at least he is not doing gang related stuff. Also, a thumbs up for the Minister Eric going around volunteering. UK Members of Parliament need to learn a thing or two from him. That Minister saying young people should go back to living with their families etc is clueless.

[@ReizePrimus]

Yea, I agree that the guy who said young people should just go back to their families is really an ostrich with his head in the sand. Sometimes it may be people like Darius who are the reason for their own vagrancy, but many times the vagrant person is homeless because they are escaping their families who are the actual danger.

[@gef2]

well dont complain if you voted for them lol

[@natasha6507]

Why did you feel the need to rank them?

[@pinklabbit]

Ikr. So free have to report people for rough sleeping? It really angers me that these people do not go out to help but add to other people's problems.

[@jon8697]

Hi opposition supporters pls note that not all sleep outside r homeless. They r just stubborn , dont use them and attack our govt. Govt help alot ardy. U see if US, taiwan, japan help or nt. Singapore the oy country that want to help every single homeless.

[@darrylgolan4806]

Wow the mindset of the MSFD staff towards our youths being homeless is worrying. More empathy should be exercised when dealing with such complex cases..

[@hongpigeon2950]

​@@aexurml4314 yes I know alot of those social workers just talk talk only showing their sympathy face saying they will help. But after work most of them never take action probably have forgotten those cases.

[@brandon_den]

Yup, that’s what some of these gov workers are for you. What a bunch of idiots.

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

True colors of the msf staff

[@samuraiboi2735]

@@aexurml4314 honestly i feel like the only ones helping them is the only few things they can own

[@user-um9re5vj8r]

I've been doing volunteer work for almost 10 years in different areas. The comments about social workers are unjust. They don't have fat pay checks, regardless if they are civil servants or not. Btw, can you share the amount of "fat check" & what are the government bodies that you are referring to!

[@raymond2704]

I'm sad to hear about Hamid's loss of his home when he had a divorce. This is made worse when he has to pay alimony to his ex-wife and send money back to Bandung. His life is tough and holding a part-time job doesn't help much. Hopefully, he doesn't get sick. As to the young guy, his attitude is bad. The old woman seems to lead a better life than the other 2 but I'm sad to hear of her loss of the condo due to business problems. This type of video is really an eye-opener. To those who have a proper shelter, be thankful

[@Deadlyroll]

The young guy should wake up his idea. Wanting to lead the life of a spoilt brat but without the silver spoon

[@jon8697]

How come no children still need give maintenance fee? The ex wife cannot work? If ex wife found new bf why still need give her monry

[@GameFuMaster]

@@jon8697 More why does a homeless man still need to pay an ex-wife maintenance money.

[@dariotapia8661]

@@jon8697 Its in the video, his ex wife is taking care of their down syndrome son.

[@daeseongkim93]

@@GameFuMaster islamic law

[@quartzcookie]

Isn't it quite frightening when you're homeless and a group of volunteers/social workers approach and surround you?

[@samuraiboi2735]

I feel like if people look at you receiving social worker food package they just feel ashamed of you just by that

[@doreenling3395]

​@@samuraiboi2735 HC70

[@doreenling3395]

​@@samuraiboi2735 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppO4oIVtiLGsnpY 5:42 5:54 😮kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppO4oIVtiLGsnpY 6:00 6:00 6:00 😮kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppO4oIVtiLGsnpY

[@Jan-R-]

This is not a predicament they want to be in & when things spiral down out of control, there is no usual safety net eg fmly members, relatives etc that help them. They also want to preserve whatever left of their self value and give many reasons why they do not need help.

[@earlysda]

quartz, it is scary for the social workers too.

[@jlljw8950]

the criticism towards darius is valid yet lacking in empathy. clearly he fell into some bad company and has his own internal struggles. i had friends like him when i was in sec sch and a lot of them come from broken families and rebel as a way to gain validation or some sort of identity. all i'm saying is not to be too rash and harsh in your judgements when after all, you don't know what it's like to be in that position. this documentary here is to help raise awareness and compassion towards rough sleepers regardless of their backgrounds, not to judge people and assume theyre at fault for their homeless situation like the volunteer said.

[@lucyfiniarel2347]

exactly and many are judging from a position of comfort, probably never experienced any of this before. how do they know that with the same upbringing, resources, and environment, they wouldn't have ended up in the same position? have empathy

[@yogitraderz7917]

Well said bro

[@averageuser2027]

There’s no need for empathy. It doesn’t change the fact that he did what he did. Nobody else was controlling his mind and his body.

[@lecherhao86]

I wouldn't empathize him but neither would I judge him. He's just suffering the consequences that he planted. Don't think he will learn his lessons.

[@lucyfiniarel2347]

​@@averageuser2027i think the point is that people need to understand that if they were born in the same set of circumstances, they can't guarantee that they wouldn't end up in the same place or worse. that's literally the entire point. no need to deny this. some people can't help themselves either, because of their past experiences, it's hard to trust, hard to form good habits, hard to accept help, hard to focus, etc. because you don't know what other people are going through, that's why you are not in a position to judge. you cannot guarantee you'd fare better given the same cards in life.

[@Multisportamateur]

I praise Singaporeans for their programs to help homelessness. Excellent job compared to other nations.

[@vijayafernando1]

not enough. In Cuba ,North Korea and china it is illegal to be homeless

[@tonyku7129]

​@vijayafernando1 if it is illegal, where they will go? Do government, provide them free housing? If yes, then salute to these countries.

[@MoonLiteNite]

i applaud people for actually trying to work to help themselves, unlike other people who just do drugs and cry that stuff costs too much

[@Potomacstud]

I salute all the volunteers and applaud CNA for yet another superb documentary , this is all too real

[@chockitkat3776]

I liked to joke about being homeless and living in the library or in the airport, but i didn't think that there really are homeless people in Singapore just because i Don really see them .. this series made me grateful i have a home, and honestly, i would say even a one room flat is better than living off the streets... Im amazed at how well the malay uncle was able to take care of himself, his life is so simple yet he's self sufficient, and makes me grateful for what i have...

[@needmoreramsay]

I absolutely love that 81 year old lady. If she were in my country, I would take her into my home and care for her. ❤

[@AnnieT369]

Me too.

[@kb9826]

She babysits sometimes for her grandchildren, wonder why they don't let her live in.

[@vijayafernando1]

people do but communities have to do it. saying it is a problem of their own doing is ridiculous

[@KucintaMom]

Having to share a rented flat with a complete stranger is plainly ridiculous. It's definitely more dangerous. Arguments and quarrels would be imminent. One of them can kill the other, and no one will know. Frankly, if I'm in such a predicament, I, too, would rather sleep on the streets.

[@ewong1432]

I used to rent a room with another lady, her habits were horrible and staying with her for almost 2 years had caused very negative impact on me. My friends recalled I was getting easily irritated and sometimes having extreme thoughts. After that I moved out, I rented a room on my own, my mental state is much better now. I have a choice to rent a room myself, but some people don't.

[@hianhoolim7786]

Having to share a work space with complete strangers is plain ridiculous. It's definitely more dangerous. One of them can kill the other, and no one will know. Frankly, if I'm in such predicament, I, too, would rather not work. Jokes aside, ideally I agree with you but sadly many things in life isn't about good vs bad but bad vs worse. Honestly there's no point making up excuses to justify your biases too. Come on you're worried about what 1 random stranger whom you can make friends with but not the countless strangers whom will pass by you while you're sleeping on the streets?

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

​@@ewong1432 Definitely It can literally cause you to go bonkers Jss or scheme operator run project Same thing Mismatch of tenants!!

[@PP-vf1kx]

🤔…being exposed to scumbags outside is different?😂

[@junglesuperstar9270]

You are so entitled .

[@avidmodeller559]

The volunteer said in the first 5 mins "There are a lot of rules for rough sleepers to actually rent a flat." So is pretty obvious why they end up prefer sleeping rough. Also, how close are these figures reflecting the reality or only touching the tip of the iceberg?

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Spot on

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Msf rigid protocols only add more stress to rough sleepers

[@jon8697]

So without rules? Will have more problem. Some people r just taking things for granted. Corner unit, high floor. Wtf????

[@avidmodeller559]

@@jon8697 Are you extremist? Most go to the extend of not having rules? C'mon, if you are Singaporean, be a better one than this!

[@dingdingdingding]

'Darius' needs to wake up his idea before he starts spiralling down to the point of no return. Spending almost your entire salary on arcade? He's almost an adult already yet he doesn't feel any consequences of all his actions so far.

[@braq9775]

Sial ah spoiler .

[@maladg1]

Mr Hamad has a strong mind & i admire his survival skills.

[@rivvie2008]

How can I help the auntie? Really admire her positivity despite her challenging conditions

[@rogerfaint499]

Yes, how could we help? I'm sure some would like to help indirectly like offering some $$ to her (for her to get some meals, etc).

[@nybelleo]

This kind of videos that needed.

[@raykenley]

It break my heart to see such decent people end up in the street.I hope the government will help them get off the street as soon as possible.

[@talentlessme8573]

They help them but the Homeless ..they don't want to participate.

[@kcleez]

They want to stay alone, in a specific area, in a specific block, on high floor with a view, corner unit.

[@nntflow7058]

900 people and the government of one of the richest country by gdp per capita can't provide them with a small Bedroom and shared toilets?

[@user-pm9mc4zz2r]

​@@nntflow7058 did you actually watch the video in full?

[@nntflow7058]

@@user-pm9mc4zz2r Yes, enough to make such comment.

[@Yolo99999]

Appreciate CNA for bringing us this documentary 😊

[@mohdfahmi8841]

..em..

[@amyckan]

i have yet to start this video, but I'm glad i found this series. Singapore isn't like some other countries where you commonly see homeless people literally on the street, outside shops, there's no one really like that. So I was (stupidly) convinced there's little to no homeless rates in Singapore - which is so dumb because the housing crisis is insane rn.

[@bowlampar]

These social workers are liked angels to these homeless men and women, they put in relentless effort daily trying to help these wondering street souls where majority of them suffered from mental issues, personal finance, family and social pressure leading to this never-ending predicament, a thankless task undertaken by a group of kind hearted community members is hard to come by these days in all country.🙏🙏

[@dogongdoging]

Remarkable under 1000 people are homeless, here in Jakarta alone, I can only imagine the numbers. God bless the volunteers for doing their work

[@AlfariziZakaria]

Hahaha dont compare to jakarta lah, standard living in SG and indo it's totally different, SG Is frist world country and indo third world country

[@Steveinthailand]

Another excellent CNA documentary!

[@QzSG]

So many questions on the "homeless" "kid". $400 a month playing arcade is probably already too much for someone similar to his age and actually has a home to live in. And he is saving to get a rental room? Save what? Rebellious phase has a limit, he pretty much only cares about himself at this point

[@Leadfoot70]

As an American and former ex-pat in Singapore, I find it fascinating to see how our respective societies view and deal with homelessness. Frankly, I prefer the Singaporean empathetic and pragmatic approach.

[@RonLarhz]

Mostly just wayang in Singapore.

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Sadly Most wealthy don't empathize

[@mohdfahmi8841]

Em!!//¡//....

[@martinlee5850]

Moreover, the criteria that these people need to meet to be eligible for assistance under Fresh Start includes continuous employment and regular school attendance. Simple though that may sound, AWARE points out that poverty itself often leads to gaps in employment and schooling which in turn makes them ineligible for assistance. Single mothers have a hard time securing continuous employment when they need to take care of their children, especially children with disabilities and it’s difficult to maintain steady schooling when you’re shuffling around different living arrangements regularly. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle.

[@jangankasikendor9708]

the truth that they can count the number of homeless people is amazing...

[@FdPros]

32:04 bro has never heard of abusive parents before how is this guy a senior advisor at ministry of social and family development

[@knowledgeisablessing8767]

For a population of nearly 5.5M people, prehaps there should also be a complementary video about how Singapore has prevented homelessness and kept the numbers so low.

[@rajyogini123]

Awesome documentaries , I've managed to watched all those 3 episodes so far😊such a heartbreaking to see these poor ppl struggling to get a decent home & being rough sleepers for so long. I'm truly Blessed & overwhelmed with gratitudes after seeing their conditions, Thank to God🙏 Really hoping that the Government of Spore wl do their best to help these poor beings, at least get them some good place to stay for free & healthy food to be consumed till some of them cld afford to buy their own soon or later

[@mohdfahmi8841]

..em..

[@tonycheezal5650]

Malaysian working as civil engineer at singpaore here for me I 1) share room with people - 450 sgd per month 2) eat lunch and dinner 10 sgd per day ( 310 + maybe 50 of good eat, no breakfast) 3) 120 of mrt fee 4) as for other small stuff, wont be much lo. Singapore is pretty good in library and stuff where i can go and learn I do not know if Darius situation is how, but i do not think he have a place to negotiate to have his own room, when his salary is so low for this. Even i have a share room , I try to save money. I do hope to have my own room. If mindset does not change, darius problem is quite a tough one. From what i see the case of him not charging phone, it seems that besides playing games, he does not have anything important or goal pursuing to work on his phone. If we are working, we never forgot to charge phone or have at least have a power bank, because phone is life in Singapore WorkLife I hope Darius can change his attitude and go back to his parents.

[@celestialstar124]

Thanks for sharing. My cousin from Malaysia also co share a hdb flat with 5 people. 2 person sleep in 1 room. Because got a rented place she usually cook because it is cheaper and she still can make cny and raya cookies to sell as side line. Agree that people need to lower their standards when they are already homeless.

[@psvr_melg4207]

You have a good landlord 👍

[@neonfiremarcus]

Why pay 450sgd when you can sleep outside for free?

[@leongsiewchong]

@@neonfiremarcus i rather choose sleep outside than pay money to face sucks owner.

[@goldenfishes3695]

man, your comment is the best, balance of empathy and realism. But the maturity sometimes just doesn't come, hope he turns his life around. I do think however the society has to do more to catch those who falls through the cracks like these individuals.

[@juanpablo-hz3dq]

This is a total eye opener for those that have not been to Singapore

[@user-um9re5vj8r]

Only after visiting NY then I know how little homeless people there are in Singapore 😝

[@jeremybeau8334]

@@user-um9re5vj8r Still a lot of people believes that Singapor is a magical pefect place whitout poverty, corruption nor problems. And it is NOT like that. In the other hand the USA is one of the worst countries to compare yourself with cause it is probably the contry with most homless of the world; it is the country with most drug adicts and most people in jail already. Singapore sometimes looks like a distopia.

[@user-um9re5vj8r]

@@jeremybeau8334 Huh! Who thinks that Singapore is a la la land?! Don't be navie! You think that the homeless in the USA are worse off than the 40% below poverty line in india? 😝

[@jeremybeau8334]

@@user-um9re5vj8r In recent years a lot of people (that have never being in Singapore believe that) mostly because of the internet that promotes "capitalist" paradises like Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea or other rich countries. I don't personaly know India, but there is a lot of nasty crapy in the USA that more often than not is often ignored. Like the very high homlessness rate, the mass shooting, the high drug use (higest in the world), the number of people in jail, students debt. Thats looks particulary bad since a lot of people from the USA keeps constantly talking about how superior and wonderfull the USA.

[@user-um9re5vj8r]

@@jeremybeau8334 What are your points here? To stress that Singapore is not perfect? To stress that US is the worst place to live in? 😝

[@billiebeebee8174]

My heart feel so heavy after watching this. If I’ve the ability I’ll help these people. So sad one of my relative might join these homeless people soon. I’ll try my best to help them

[@wernerhermann9120]

At 27:49, the reporter states that the "numbers are comparable to Tokyo". Well, except Tokyo is far more populous at nearly 14 million people and spans a much bigger area compared to Singapore with a population of around 5.45 millions so the rate is actually worse in Singapore.

[@didirozaidi3624]

Respect to all the volunteers

[@lecherhao86]

Very sad when i hear how the senior adviser just state it as a matter of fact that the S3P are not owned by government but by the organisation. And he went on to say that not all organization they approach are willing to open up their premise for the rough sleepers. So the question is, why cant the government use their government-owned spaces too? And then he went on to comment about getting the youth to go home and apologise. Or if the house is not a viable option, the youth can find a social worker and work to rent in the open market. Honestly, i feel there's a bit of out of touch with the ground there. Some youth who left home probably do so because the families could be abusive or the environment is just too chaotic. And if you ask them to work to rent a room, how are they going to do so if they have to attend school? The part time might not even be enough to cover the open market rental.

[@elainelabrooy3438]

The public rental housing scheme actually deters the rough sleepers from using it. Nobody wants to stay in a rented space with another stranger.

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Exactly Well said There are alot of unhappy co tenants in jss And many ended staying out which is no difference from being homeless

[@junglesuperstar9270]

Do they expect a palace ?

[@G2H_HellBringer]

32:00 I absolutely disagree. The idea that any young person should simply cow to abuse (and yes, I'm calling it abuse) is appalling.

[@awakenedservant]

I believe rough sleepers are increasing as I used to myself to go about giving them food , in Sentosa you will see them scattered all over , east coast park , void decks in marine parade , bedok( my area is bedok 85 market and I see an increase around the area , the playground of Bedok North 97 ave 4 has rough sleepers , block 96 of bedok North Ave 4 , tampines , pasir ris , wherever I go about as I work nightshift and constantly on the roads I see a growing number

[@kklum6998]

God bless those working as a volenteer social worker who are dedicated and empathic about this social issues in Singapore. RESPECT.

[@mohdfahmi8841]

Ai.

[@benjii16]

TBH I don't know wtf Darius is thinking... seems like being homeless still does not change his attitude and behaviour towards the society and life.

[@Lancer21899]

Yes. Something is hopelessly wrong with him

[@goldenfishes3695]

... he is at most 16 - 18 years old, what were you doing at that age?

[@tanwenxi4316]

@@goldenfishes3695 Studying polytechnic hoping to go to uni, like most people.

[@goldenfishes3695]

@@tanwenxi4316 yea, i know. just saying that if we super avg then don't comment on how ppl shld live their life. of course unless the person commenting gave aid of any form to darius then i think he is qualified to guide darius but else then no need right.

[@thejanbaby]

32:04 "to me, it's very simple", not everyone has the same experiences as you LOL

[@burkshomemadememes]

That dude just sounds like what people think of the teenager. Bad experiences can and will shape your decisions.

[@pacificodeluta7507]

thanks for helping our homeless brothers and sisters

[@IlusIl]

Please stop forcing children back to their parents, some parent are more dangerous then the world outside or vice versa ... Let them do and learn from the world. They will find their soul family

[@replyguy1965]

Do you have children of your own? What is a soul family?

[@IlusIl]

@@replyguy1965 of course, even for me, the only way to learn unconditional love is by nurturing my child but still we can't deny that no everybody have a good relationship with their families.. Soul family is those who understand / relate to you cause they have same experience or knowledge about it.. They can be teachers or even stranger as they teach, trust and respect you .. The key is don't lost trust and stay be kind person .. Good attract good .. These volunteers are the best example..

[@syedfathil3453]

it's not easy for us "homeless people" to get a HDB rental flat with their "non flexible" policies - I know becoz I've tried many many times & always rejected...the PM & Ministers just don't know how difficult it is for us to get a rental place

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Because they don't care!! They only care about themselves and think they have already done the homeless a very big favor!! Everything is on their terms and conditions!! They won't listen and will Never change their rigid protocols and policies!! They think their one size fits all is working out well for everyone homeless!!

[@mohdfahmi8841]

Ai.

[@user-fb7rf4kr5k]

If a person works and still doesn't have a roof over his head, that's not an individual problem. It's a societal problem. Nobody should be homeless in Singapore.

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Well said

[@John_Smith_86]

There should be homeless in every country. You apparently don't understand economics

[@edwardthomas3442]

There are those who work but then decide to buy house in other countries, then end up homeless in Singapore. How? It's easy to say society but let's not forget that some individuals do make decisions that landed them in their current situation. It's not saying we shouldn't try to help but to say it's just society's problem is too simplistic.

[@jon8697]

Hi opposition supporters pls note that not all sleep outside r homeless. They r just stubborn , dont use them and attack our govt. Govt help alot ardy. U see if US, taiwan, japan help or nt. Singapore the oy country that want to help every single homeless.

[@user-fb7rf4kr5k]

@@jon8697 Why do you assume that people who care are necessarily opposition supporters?

[@martinlee5850]

While there are schemes and programmes out there with the intention of helping those in need secure housing, the eligibility criteria are often tough to meet. For example, the Fresh Start Housing Scheme which was intended to help former flat owners living in public rental flats to transition back into HDP ownership misses the mark a little. AWARE argues that for many single mothers, impoverishment and homelessness are pressing threats and they need immediate access to rental housing, not eventual access to housing ownership. One single mother told AWARE that she was regarded by HDB as “too well-off to qualify for a rental flat, but too poor to buy a flat.” Those in this situation end up having to rent homes in the open market, dipping into whatever savings they have. At the end of the 30-month debarment period, many will have become poor.

[@PP-vf1kx]

🤔 social workers keep saying…it’s for their safety and wellbeing…but when you are prepared to sleep in the rough, nothing is too scary…except another rough individual!

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

you trust social workers??

[@sandl3544]

Why do people complain about Mr Hamad if he does not create disturbance? They do not have empathy towards others. And they think for themselves.

[@Johnne009]

We're the selfishiest nation of people

[@datainstitution9747]

Maybe because of the birds that he has with him

[@RonLarhz]

Ya lor. He very disciplined leh. Clean n sweep everyday. Hang the bird in the trees away from main walkways,never disturb anyone. I even think that he might be conned by the "wife" in Indonesia. Dunno if is really his child. Bet these social workers don't bother to find out.

[@y-square5591]

The background music feels over dramatic at times

[@condorX2]

4:52 + 9:14 pair this two shy guy together. I wanna see how they can get along. Those social workers are such angles!

[@gasohwjchen]

Gotten give it to the kind volunteers, thank u guys for the service. 🙏

[@andrewmclaren4253]

I am homeless before and even the MP rejected my request for a shelter and he told me to go sleep on the streets. This video is not entirely accurate where ppl actually come to assist the rough sleepers, for couple of months not a single one came to my assistance. I received so many rejections from so many shelters when I approached them for help.

[@itisallinyourhead1709]

It's the truth.

[@bell-xk5dd]

I find your story hard to believe, your MP told you to go sleep on the street? Dare to give the name of your MP ? I’ll report him for you.

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

That's right This video is just to showcase to everyone how "good" sg govt is Not about the homeless per se

[@bell-xk5dd]

@@godsamazinggrace5331 Balik kampong lah. Mind your own business about Singapore...

[@nagnag9722]

Maybe you have the wrong ethnicity ?

[@ryantan5963]

Thank you CNA and MSF for shedding light on this not well known topic and the type of support available to the homeless. Btw one minor feedback, the sound effects in some segments is quite odd and don't match the storytelling 😅

[@mohdfahmi8841]

..em..

[@dongshengdi773]

China will give you more light. that's why Singapore blindly supports China's authoritarian totalitarian dictatorial government because China claims it has no homeless people.

[@rens071]

Saya sedih melihat liiputan CNA Insider ini. Saya ke Singapura antara tahun 2006 - 2007 karena ada pekerjaan 2-5 hari di kawasan Clarke Quay. Saya hanya melihat 1 pria sudah tua renta berjualan tisu setiap berangkat dan pulang kerja (walaupun itu seharusnya di larang). saya berharap dia baik-baik saja. saya tidak menyangka gunung es tersebut baru terlihat hari ini. Biaya hidup di Singapura relatif tinggi dan stress. Semoga Singapura, bisa menolong orang-orang yang tidak punya rumah ini.

[@lotus108able]

Kudos to the befrienders 🙏

[@constitutionalcarrot3720]

For years I worked as an eviction attorney in the Bronx serving formerly homeless persons still struggling to keep their government-subsidized housing. Some people just CHOOSE to live the kind of nomadic lifestyle humans lived for millions of years before agriculture. Especially in places where the weather is nice like Singapore and California it might be ideal to live unsheltered. The fact we have no tolerance for this lifestyle choice is just sad - not everybody wants to live indoors, and so we should not force people to do so if they are otherwise peaceful.

[@user-pr3fo6gq2c]

Agree. Here the general perception is leading a nomadic Life or sleeping rough is considered madness.

[@mohdfahmi8841]

Ai.

[@boombam9611]

It really is extremely difficult financially for Mr Hamid if he has to pay a lot for his ex wife , son and his family in Indonesia and somehow has a daughter at primary 3 while working as a packer

[@sugiantoa5279]

Homeless is the same problem in every country... Not only Government but there are also good peoples taking actions to help and wo thumbs up for them... 👍👍

[@TheDarkHarper]

As one of the richest country in the world, I am appalled by the way Singapore treat their elders. Kudos to the volunteers, but irregardless of the reason, the government should do more.

[@celestialstar124]

Darius seems too problematic. He sound very selfish and doesn't respect the rules set by those organisation that help him. Sincerely hope he is able to improve his mindset and make more effort to cooperate with people who are trying to help him.

[@urbn9t]

And he spends $400 a month on video games

[@needmoreramsay]

There is a MASSIVE difference between the homeless of Japan, Singapore, South East Asia versus North and South America. There is obvious poverty, mental and physical "disabilities"in either case BUT these people have dignity, self-care, respect for society, cleanliness and pride in themselves. They let differentiator is definitely DRUGS and addiction. Drugs and addiction destroy your self-worth, esteem, dignity, SANITY, concern for yourself and everyone else around you.

[@itsmingky3348]

Oh my God pak Hamad's family are in Bandung Indonesia 😢😢 i live in Bandung too...sehat selalu pak Hamad❤

[@creyji]

Mdm yeo is quite positive and adaptable, all the best😊

[@kelvinth30]

33:50 his wife must be a young indonesian woman , he worked and support them and his wife may be enjoying life there having a house and monthly expenses from singapore , and He just continue supporting and suffer. i've seen many such cases where indonesian maid send all their hard earned money to support the whole family who do not need to work at all. And their family do not want them to stop working, they are basically slaves to their family. If they resign and go home they become an unwelcome family outcast . This is the world we live in , hash reality.

[@ivantan6841]

Maybe can think about getting them to be security guard for schools at a cheap rate. Employ more and each only need to their rounds few time only and will have a good environment to rest. There is almost everything.

[@qinminwan5835]

Security guard in Singapore need license from time to upgrade again ! It is not like before even rubber tapper can apply for the job . The examination is in oral and written to get a license. Some in house security guard need to take CPR and other tests . Customer service is also introduced by professional teacher. 😱

[@itisallinyourhead1709]

How cheap you want? You think the current actual security officers working with actual licenses already are expensive? 4$ per hr cheap enough for you for rough sleepers? Maybe the govt will agree. 😂

[@Iceman2K]

to be perfectly honest, SG's numbers are WAAAAAAY better than Japan's homeless numbers, by a long shot.

[@tesscarry]

At least the homeless elderly man knew how to keep himself clean ....and no drugs , and yes they work asweell ....

[@jonlim555]

every month spend 400 bucks on wangan....asking for it

[@Doggomorph]

Give me can

[@itsmehiimnic]

Housing, especially public housing, is getting more expensive and becoming less affordable. Also, I don't agree that singles below 35 must apologise to their parents just so that they can go back to their own rooms because parents are not always right. Sorry Lee Kim Hua, it is NOT that simple as you think. There are so much issues such as childhood trauma, mental health issues that these young singles are facing and some don't even have other relatives or friends that they can depend on. And as mentioned in this video, young singles without the help of families cannot get public housing. So where can these young singles stay? It's not as simple as ''oh they are young and they can a job and should be able to get support on their own". All the more these young singles will feel that they lack of family support and external support. This is something that the country must rethink about because it's not just the elderly who needs help.

[@sodiumwaste]

Not sure why you're making it sound like mental health and childhood trauma issues are exclusive to those aged under 35. The fact is, just looking at the age segment as a whole, they have more options to get out of their predicament. More places would be happy to hire young people than older people, they can just go to any shopping mall and land a job. Young people, even those with awful families, also have better networks than older people. When you get old, your relatives would have moved away and your children or the people you know who can help you won't even want anything to do with you.

[@itsmehiimnic]

@@sodiumwaste You're right, younger people have more ways to get out of their predicament, but I don't think that is a blanket statement for all young people. For open market rentals, you will at least need pay 2 months' worth of deposit upfront on top of other daily expenses and basic needs, not to mention the crazy rental rates nowadays. There are also some young people whose other networks aren't willing to help or they do not have mental capacity at the moment to find a job for themselves. I'm just wondering how many such people who really need the help but get turned down because most people would think that young people will always get the upper-hand anyway. All the more such young people would be afraid to reach out for help. Maybe we could offer short term help to give them a head-start to rent a room on their own. And to clarify, I wasn't saying that only people below 35 are experiencing mental health, childhood trauma and other issues - I was just pointing towards a specific group of people with such issues as well.

[@sodiumwaste]

@@aexurml4314 that's a great counterview, I absolutely agree that the crazy rental prices nowadays make it so tough to get a place. Also gotta say that Lee Kim Hua did admittedly paint all youth with the same brush, some do have quite a complicated situation that can't be fixed with a "let him stay at a shelter for a night and chase him home the next day" approach.

[@datainstitution9747]

@@sodiumwaste it’s not exclusive to those below 35 but those below 35 cannot buy HDB flat as a single due to policy not allowing singles below 35 to get HDBs

[@Your.Uncle.AngMoh]

In the 2021 Census in Australia, roughly 122,500 people were listed as "sleeping rough". Our population is around 25.6 million, or around 4.9 times the population of Singapore. This makes Singapore's homeless around one-thirtieth of the problem, percentage-wise, of what it is here. Still, it is very sad that anyone at all has to sleep rough and/or scratch out an existence- you're not really living, merely existing- being a cardboard auntie or uncle.

[@jon8697]

Hi opposition supporters pls note that not all sleep outside r homeless. They r just stubborn , dont use them and attack our govt. Govt help alot ardy. U see if US, taiwan, japan help or nt. Singapore the oy country that want to help every single homeless.

[@MegaRajasinga]

My old hometown now never looks the same 😪😪😪

[@kingcat2307]

I know this Pak Cik. He works at Giant at Ang Mo Kio. He is very friendly and greets the customers.

[@InfiniteSaviour49]

please delete, now that the location is known, the town council is definitely going to go after the pakcik

[@kingcat2307]

​@@InfiniteSaviour49 You tell CNA to delete this video better, cuz they disclosed his location already.

[@David-qf7zg]

Part 3 he alrdy moved la

[@urbn9t]

He's homeless yet went to Bandung marry another wife, now has primary school daughter to support in addition to his down syndrome son. Don't get his mindset.

[@yazidmd9874]

There are so many in Changi Airport..

[@hermangouw]

I feel sad to see these people ... I hope they will manage to get a place to stay.

[@takanna]

my heart aches for mdm yeo...😢

[@Dandelion_flight]

Not surprising… when I was in affluent Japan few years ago, I was shocked to see people sleeping in the streets in makeshift cardboxes, out in the freezing cold. I know of elderly in Singapore who just can’t get along with others and end up sleeping out int e streets. It’s not their family’s fault… these elderly are stubborn and difficult.

[@Dandelion_flight]

@@vijay20 Some of us can help ourselves while some can’t. The right education is important but then many people are fixed in their ways that they will not change. Many elderly Japanese are dying alone living alone. Some just simply choose it this way. Those who have elderly parents who are stubborn will understand what I mean. I myself have very stubborn parents so fixed in their own mindset that their emotional and physical health suffer, even though as children we already tried our best to help them.

[@avidmodeller559]

Have you find out why this elderly are difficult or is it based on your generalisation of all elderly?

[@Dandelion_flight]

@@avidmodeller559 When you have interacted with enough people you will know the trend 😂 we are all our own “gods”. In Singapore the community centres organise events for seniors but there are those who will not join no matter how lonely they feel. They rather sit around and wait for dementia to turn up at their door. I just keep telling my own children that I hope I will not end up the same. I hope i will be a different old person!

[@Dandelion_flight]

@@aexurml4314 The government rents out flats to the elderly in Singapore at very low prices but there must be two people partnering up to live in one. If elderly people do not get along then this will not work.

[@ireneapril8912]

Some elderly may be stubborn but their children should still continue to take care of theirs parents. There are ways to get along just need some effort.

[@bill-jg6nj]

The current housing prices are siao. Expect more homelessness.

[@worldpeace9039]

thank you good job

[@phoebewang8458]

Madame Yeo’s hair is still black, she maintains herself well, it makes her look much younger than her age etc.

[@Jinkypigs]

It is so sad to hear such stories. Gov needs to provide more structural support and at least provide more support for 1 rm rental flat for single homeless.

[@felix4059]

32:00 Obviously Lee Kim Hua has not lived on the streets before and does not understand the difficulty nor the reasons people have for living on the streets. Ask yourself, who wants to live on the streets if he/she can live comfortably at home? Not everyone is so fortunate. Lee Kim Hua is just living in his own world and gives template answers. Unfortunately, there is no textbook answer for different cases. Lee Kim Hua should live on the streets for a few years before giving condescending comments.

[@John_Smith_86]

Many people do want to live on the streets. We know this, since extensive research was done in the US. You have not enjoyed the delights of living on the streets, so you are so ignorant that you are contemptuous of it

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Wow That's a very realistic comment Well said These people need to do social experiments And yes indeed Condescending because they despise the poor and needy

[@felix4059]

@@godsamazinggrace5331 Condescending because he has not experienced such circumstances or hardship before. 风水轮流转 Fortune knocks once at least at every man's gate. Wait til misfortune befalls on him and he becomes homeless then he will understand the reality.

[@junarhalog7493]

This presents a reality that Social Works propel the better living of those who need their services. I appreciate Volunteers as well. To those Homeless in this docu, you can make it through.

[@glovesem8204]

kudos to the volunteers