Hong Kong’s homeless flock to shelters, but some left shivering on streets
Home Affairs Department opens 18 temporary shelters for people in need, as Observatory issues cold weather warning in morning
Homeless people sought temporary shelter overnight as temperatures fell in Hong Kong on Sunday night, although some street sleepers were left shivering outdoors.
The Home Affairs Department opened 18 temporary shelters in various districts for people in need, as the Observatory issued a cold weather warning in the morning.
The shelters, which offer mattresses, blankets and quilts, along with hot meals and water, will remain open while the warning is in effect.
Nine people gathered at the Causeway Bay Community Centre at around 7.30pm, when two staff handed out meals of rice with barbecue pork, chicken and soup.
Ambrose, a 60-year-old who lost his home and job at a bar and restaurant during the Covid-19 pandemic, came to the shelter after he heard it was open and planned to stay overnight.
“I slept on a cupboard somewhere near here under the bridge. I come here every time when it is too cold or hot,” said Ambrose, who preferred not to give his full name for fear of affecting his social welfare allowance.
