Testimonies
Sharing of our Friend, Law Shing Sang
Skyrocketing
rent in exchange for a cramped living space; such malady now prevails among the
city, which ends up pushing
some people in Hong Kong to sleep in the rough streets, as a last resort to
survive
Three years ago, before moving to
the park, Law used to rent a bed in Wan Chai, where fourteen people were living
in a 600sq. ft. flat, with poor hygiene, limited privacy and insecurity around
personal belongings. The turning point to becoming homeless was when the
landlord increased the rent more than double, up to HK$4,800 a month, which was
almost his entire monthly earnings. His permanent job working as a cleaner saw
him earning less than HK$300 per day, which was topped up with minimal monthly
financial assistance from the government.
The Housing Authority had previously offered him a public flat, but then turned
down the offer following a sudden refinement in housing policy, which gave
people aged 45 or above priority of application. “I was really disappointed.” he
said. “The elderly, disabled people and families are always in the top-tier to
take into account, to be honest, many singles like me,
what we can do is just long for
good-luck to end this endless waiting.”
Law turned to
St. Barnabas’ Society and Home, and has become a frequent user of their services
after receiving unkind treatments from other organizations. This
organization not only provides daily necessities and free-meals to homeless
people, but more pragmatic support to them, such as invitations to some medical
groups who offer free dental services, and encourage them to help others by
teaching them pest control skills, to provide free service to grassroots
community in Sheung Wan.
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Testimony of our Friend,
Leung Shiu Wai
I
grew up in a broken family and my adult role models were not good. I told myself
I would be the worst man in the world. I did lots of bad things, but I was not
satisfied.
I was
living in High Street House Singleton Hostel in September last year. At that
time, I was the poorest I’ve ever been in my life. I was recommended by the
social worker to eat dinner at St. Barnabas’ Society and Home in October last
year. I got to know Mr Pun at the centre. However, I did not repent and my drug
addictions became more serious.
In
December last year, I was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for emergency
treatment. I know that I could not save my life by myself. Mr Pun led me to pray
and repented on my sin. God saved my life with His mercy.
At last,
I promised God that I would repent and became a new man. I lived my life fully
and gave praise to God.
Thank you Lord. Amen.
(Note: the views expressed
are only those of the above writers and speakers, and not our views.)