Lillian (right) from SoCO  translates an  exchange between 2 homeless from Japan (left) and a recipient (right) of a "singleton flat" in Hong Kong's public housing programme.

These are the older residents of Hong Kong's first public housing flats constructed around 1954, after a FIRE in Shek Kip Mei squatter area drew the government's attention to the need.

Population and Land criteria ensure Hong Kong's development of Housing is a mix of high density private and public high rise flats

 

Public Housing Chronology

1954          
First public housing built in Shek Kip Mei for resettlement of squatter fire victims.
   
Public housing was built for resettlement, squatter clearance, redevelopment of slum areas and re-housing of families on waiting lists.
Poor families (more than 1 person) could apply for a public flat and be put on a waiting list of the Housing Authority

1985        
Single persons were permitted to apply for public flats

1985 - 99    
The average waiting time for single persons below 60 years old was  (is)  9 years.

2000      
The Housing Authority has built 645,000 public rental flats housing a population of 2,200,000 people. 

Application Criteria

Monthly income must not exceed $6,200 (US$795)

Those above 60 yrs can choose flats in city area.

Those below 60 yrs must accept suburban locations except if they applied before 1996.

People must live in Hong Kong for more than 7 years before they can apply

Group                                                  Waiting time in 2000

Single persons aged above 60       3 years

Single persons aged below 60        5 years 

Families                                                 4.7 years

 

Problems Identified with Housing Singles
- the waiting time is too long
- application criteria too harsh esp. the income limit
- housing policies do not meet the special needs on singletons e.g. mentally ill patients and those on low incomes