Couple sleeps rough in Hougang, fearing that the walkway could be stolen.

Couple Living on the Streets of Hougang: A Struggle for Survival

Have you ever walked past a familiar spot in your neighbourhood and noticed something unusual? For residents along Hougang Avenue 1, a couple has made the walkway their temporary home for the past two weeks, sparking concern and curiosity among passersby.

Their Story

Wang, a man in his 50s, and his wife have chosen to sleep near a bus stop rather than return to their HDB flat just a 10-minute walk away. Why? They fear that leaving their belongings unattended at home might lead to theft. “I just don’t know what to do!” Wang shared with Shin Min Daily News after witnessing a troubling scene on the night of January 8. He saw a group of four young adults harassing an elderly pedestrian, which left him feeling helpless.

Despite having a roof over their heads, the couple struggles with space. “They don’t have room for their stuff at home,” Wang explained. They make a living by selling cardboard boxes and other miscellaneous items, earning around $1,000 a month. “We’re eating, drinking, and resting,” Wang added, emphasising that it’s better than begging. They only return home once a week for a shower and use a nearby hawker centre to wash their hair.

Life on the Streets

AsiaOne recently spotted Wang navigating a puddle while carrying his belongings. His wife was seen cutting wires on the sidewalk, and a kind passerby even offered her $2. However, she declined an interview, preferring to keep their situation private. The couple’s possessions, mostly cardboard boxes and plastic bags, stretch over 10 metres along the walkway, creating a makeshift assembly line of their lives.

Their story is not unfamiliar to the locals. Tan, a worker at a nearby provision shop, recalled Wang’s previous employment there. “He was late to work often and eventually got fired due to body odour,” Tan shared. Customers had complained about the smell, which made it difficult for Wang to keep his job.

Community Concerns

Residents have expressed their worries about the couple’s situation. A coffee shop manager mentioned that the couple had previously slept behind the shop and often searched the estate for items to sell. After complaints from the community, they were asked to leave.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the couple sold their HDB flat and now rely on selling used goods and working in coffee shops. However, they refuse to move to a shelter, claiming that the locations offered are either too far or too cramped for their needs.

The Bigger Picture

The plight of Wang and his wife sheds light on a larger issue: homelessness in Singapore. A nationwide count in 2021 revealed that 1,036 individuals were sleeping on the streets, a 7% decrease from 2019. While this decline may suggest improvements, it also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the vulnerable in our society.

Women, in particular, often feel uncomfortable in such environments. One local expressed her discomfort being the only woman around, noting that safety concerns keep many women from sleeping outdoors.

Conclusion

This story serves as a reminder that not everyone in Singapore is thriving, despite our nation’s economic success. The struggles of those like Wang and his wife call for empathy and action from the community. We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind, and that everyone has a place to call home.

For more on this topic and to support local initiatives, visit Singapore Homeless.