The Reality of Youth Homelessness
Jemina, a young person experiencing homelessness in Singapore, describes feeling isolated because her peers could not relate to her situation. Youth living rough are often tougher to identify than older homeless people, as they avoid the streets and traditional sleeping spots, preferring to stay out of sight or with friends.
"My experiences of homelessness were unfamiliar and uncomfortable for them to hear about. I withdrew from social interactions."
Recent Trends and Data
Social workers and volunteers have noticed a rise in young people under 35 seeking help for homelessness. The group Homeless Hearts of Singapore, which supports rough sleepers, reported that by the end of October, nearly half (49.5%) of their 103 assistance requests came from people under 35. This is a significant jump from 37% in 2022. Many young rough sleepers deal with family conflicts, tension at home, mental distress, or domestic violence. Often, they lack the financial means to live independently and may not qualify for subsidized public housing.
Barriers and Responses
Young homeless people in Singapore struggle to secure accommodation because they are not eligible for certain government housing schemes. They often cycle between friends' homes or sleep in hidden areas. Community organizations and initiatives like The Last Resort provide temporary shelter and support, but the problem remains widespread and not always visible.
"When you think of homelessness in Singapore, teenagers aren’t the first group that comes to mind. Yet, it’s a significant issue and more widespread than one might expect."
Support and Shelters
There are now 22 Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps) across Singapore, offering essential amenities like sleeping areas, storage, power, and showers. As of July 2025, about 100 individuals use these facilities. The government and volunteer groups together offer outreach and direct support, but young people’s circumstances are often complicated by family loss, instability, or eligibility barriers for public schemes.
Social Services and Reporting
Services like the OneService app enable citizens to flag cases and refer rough sleepers, expanding community support outreach. Catholic Welfare Services and other groups continue to document an increase in clients seeking help, with outreach and shelter data showing significant growth during 2024–2025, though age-specific data remains limited.
"Navigating between these temporary accommodations was challenging. If it weren't for Homeless Hearts and the family service center stepping in at the right moment, our situation would have been much worse."
Author’s Summary: The number of homeless individuals under 35 is rising in Singapore, with most attributing it to family conflict, limited resources, and a lack of suitable housing options, prompting greater community outreach and government initiatives to address their needs.
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