PLAN FOR FAMILIES LIVING BY THE BEACH

PLAN FOR FAMILIES LIVING BY THE BEACH

15.

Dr Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) if he will provide an update on the Ministry's plans to manage families who are camping and living by the beach; (b) how is the Ministry working with other agencies to assist families who have refused the offer to be transferred to shelters; and (c) whether there are any specific guidelines pertaining to whether families transferred to shelters can continue to work.

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Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: It is illegal for families to become squatters in beaches or parks.

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) will investigate the social and financial circumstances of all squatters found in public areas and help them to arrange suitable housing. Some may opt to live with their relatives or friends. If this is not possible, they can consider interim rental housing managed by HDB appointed agents or transitional shelters run by voluntary welfare organisations. The last resort is admission to a Government-funded welfare home.

The shelters are temporary accommodation to tide needy families over while they work towards a longer-term solution. The ultimate objective remains achieving self reliance.

Social workers from voluntary welfare organisations will help the families to resolve their social and financial problems. The Community Development Councils will provide job matching and access to Government-assistance schemes. Adult residents in the shelters who are work capable are strongly encouraged to go out to work. As at 24th March 2010, 165 of the 270 adults housed in the transitional shelters are working. Some are not working because of medical reasons or in the midst of a job search. In the Government welfare homes, work capable residents are encouraged to be gainfully employed. However, persons who are admitted for begging or vagrancy under the Destitute Persons Act may have to stay in the welfare homes until social investigations are completed and a bona fide job found for them.

In the shelters, the social workers will also explore longer term housing options depending on their circumstances. These include HDB assisting them to buy a flat within their means or access to rental flats under the Public Rental Scheme if they are eligible.

Families facing financial and housing difficulties should seek help early. They can call the Comcare Call Hotline at 1800-222 0000 or visit a Family Service Centre or Community Development Council office.