Christian Service News
Issue 59 (April 2008)
Newsflash
Home Improvement Project Helps the Dereived Elderly and Families
to Cope with Harsh Living
While Hong Kong appears to be enjoying prosperity and wealth, there are still many people struggling every day. Household incomes of the deprived families are so low that these people can barely make ends meet. They are the people hit the hardest. They often have no choice but to continue to live in poor conditions and prepare for the worst because they do not have enough money to make things better. Home Improvement Project, to them, is a luxurious idea.
The Project is a creative initiative launched by Hong Kong Christian Service, co-organised by Chan Dang Social Services Foundation and Habitat for Humanity China. Through financial subsidies and assistance provided by professional volunteers, the Project helps improve the living conditions of the deprived elderly and families and promote domestic safety as well. There are two types of assistance provided: to offer subsidies for buying furniture, electrical appliances and household odds and ends; and to provide basic decorating, re-modelling and maintenance services.
The Project was introduced in July 2007 and it will last two years in phases, covering the entire Hong Kong. So far 116 applications have been received. More than half of the applicants are people over 60; more than 80% are elderly or families receiving the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance; and almost half of them are people living alone. While the Project covers all districts in Hong Kong, the largest number of applicants comes from Shum Shui Po (almost half), followed by Yau Tsim Mong, Kwun Tong and Shatin,
To learn more about the service, please refer to our site or call 2777 8179 for details.