The recent case of the death of a lady in a McDonald’s restaurant has rung the bell about the plight of the homeless in our city. Write an article for your school’s newsletter, accounting for the mounting number of homeless people and suggesting measures to tackle the issue.
Lend a helping hand to the homeless
Despite being an international financial hub, Hong Kong has yet a wide range of social problems. The mounting number of homeless people is one of those which should not be taken lightly. The recent case of the death of a lady in a McDonald’s restaurant has absolutely rung the bell about the plight of the homeless in our city.
In fact, the number of street sleepers registered with the department has doubled from 393 in December 2010 to 806 in January this year. The Society for Community Organization Social Workers even estimated that there are actually 1500 homeless people in the city, which is a double of the registered figure. Yet, we may ask a question. Why is the number of homeless people still increasing while the city’s economy is continuously growing? The two main reasons for this worrying phenomenon are the unreasonable sky-high rent and the lack of concerns of the government.
To begin with, affording an accommodation is simply too exhausting in Hong Kong, especially for those less fortunate. It is revealed that a subdivided flat of just 30 sq ft in Sham Shui Po already costs HK$2000 a month. Therefore, it is not news to hear that many of the employed grass-roots would rather spend their little income on food than the unreasonable rent. More and more people sleep on the street, under the flyover or even in the 24-hour-operating restaurants as a result.
Apart from the unaffordable housing rent, the government has definitely turned a blind eye to the plight of the homeless people, worsening the present situation. To be honest, the government has done one thing on the issue only, which is to adopt an ostrich policy. Since 2004, the Social Welfare Department has allocated funds to three NGOs to run help services for the homeless, and then watched the situation with folded arms, thinking it is not its responsibility at all.
So, what should the government do? And how about we secondary school students?
First of all, the government should step up efforts to turn around the plight of the homeless. For instance, the government should impose rent controls or provide subsidies to the poor, making renting a flat more achievable for the homeless. Besides, more homeless shelters and public housing should be built in order to cope with the ever-worsening situation in both the short term and long term. Services such as short-term hostel placement, employment guidance and emergency relief funds could also be provided so as to help the homeless immediately.
We, students, also have a role to play. We could take part in more volunteer works helping street sleepers, for example, visiting the homeless. Through joining such activities, we can really understand the plight of them. Our little effort could bring a huge comfort to them as they are cared for and respected!
In a nutshell, it is everyone’s business to lend a helping hand to the homeless. Let us join hands and do something to fuel the wishes of the less fortunate and improve their living. They are part of our society after all and should never be deserted!
Lee Wai Lok
6E 2015-16