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SG I need your help. Risk of being homeless.
DiscussionDear Singaporeans,
I never imagined that one day I would be writing a public plea for help.
I am a 34-year-old Singaporean woman who has been completely alone since becoming orphaned in 2020. I have no immediate family, no relatives to rely on, and no safety net to fall back on when life becomes difficult.
On 26 March, I was given an ultimatum by my Social Service Officer (SSO): either find an eligible housemate to be added to my tenancy or vacate my rental flat within one month.
For years, I have lived independently in my HDB rental flat. I have always paid my rent and utility bills on time. I work hard to support myself and survive from paycheck to paycheck. I do not smoke, party, or lead a lavish lifestyle. Most of my time is spent working and trying to make ends meet through my online business, where I sell products through TikTok. The spare space in my flat is used to store inventory for my business.
Although the flat is designated for two occupants, I have been paying the rental amount accordingly and maintaining the unit responsibly. When I was informed that I needed to find a housemate, I immediately tried my best to comply. I posted numerous advertisements online, welcoming female housemates of any race or age. Unfortunately, due to the limited size of the flat, I was unable to find anyone willing to move in.
As my deadline approached and my options ran out, I sought help from my local Member of Parliament. I was advised to contact the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) in hopes that they could provide guidance or assistance.
When I reached out, I was given a phone number to call if I eventually became homeless.
Those words shattered me.
I was not asking what to do after becoming homeless. I was desperately trying to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place.
To hear that my only option was to wait until I lost the roof over my head before meaningful help could be provided left me feeling shocked, helpless, and abandoned. It felt as though I was being told that I had to fall before anyone would consider catching me.
I also contacted HDB, hoping there might be another avenue for assistance. I was informed that my case falls under the care of my assigned SSO and that I should continue seeking help through the relevant channels.
Since receiving this notice, my mental and emotional well-being has deteriorated significantly. Every night, I struggle to sleep and often find myself crying from fear and uncertainty. During the day, I feel lost and distracted. Even while trying to work and conduct my online sales livestreams, I cannot stop thinking about the possibility of having nowhere to live.
The thought of losing access to basic shelter as a Singaporean is terrifying.
I am not refusing to comply with policies, nor am I asking for special treatment. I understand that rules exist for a reason. However, I hope there can also be room for compassion, flexibility, and consideration of exceptional circumstances.
I have exhausted every option available to me. I have searched for a housemate. I have approached government agencies. I have sought advice from my MP. I have done everything within my means to remain self-sufficient and keep a roof over my head.
Yet despite all of this, I still find myself facing the very real possibility of homelessness.
My question is simple:
Why must a vulnerable Singaporean wait until they become homeless before meaningful assistance is available?
To everyone reading this, I humbly ask for your advice, guidance, and support. If you know of any resources, organizations, avenues of appeal, or people who may be able to help, please share them with me.
I am not seeking sympathy. I am seeking hope.
As an orphan with no family and nowhere else to turn, I am simply asking for a fair and compassionate assessment of my circumstances before I lose the only home I have.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your advice, support, or even sharing this post could make a difference during one of the most difficult periods of my life.
Thank you.