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Habitat’s recommendations for 2020 policy address
“Stay at home, save lives” has become a global theme in the fight against COVID-19, as governments around the world rely on people to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus. As Leilani Farha, former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing stated, “...housing has become the frontline defence against the coronavirus.” At Habitat Hong Kong, we urge the Government to use the pandemic situation as an opportunity to make policy changes to improve inadequate housing conditions, to lay the foundations for sustainable, resilient communities for the future. In our public policy address recommendation, we asked the HKSAR Government to consider the following:
- Address the specific needs of residents in substandard housing in the pandemic response
- Ensure inclusion and representation of community leaders and groups in COVID-19 responses and plans
- Protect housing affordability, adequacy, accessibility, and stability
- Establish long-term housing strategies to foster more secure and resilient communities in the future
In her 2019 policy address, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said, “Housing is the toughest livelihood issue facing Hong Kong society […] I have never taken this matter lightly.” We couldn’t agree more.
Families in Hong Kong are facing both a public health and an economic crisis, further worsened by the existing housing crisis. With home taking on a new meaning as simultaneous workplace, school, daycare, and safety net, it is essential that the Government considers solutions to protect the homes of those living formally and informally to reduce transmission of this disease now and in the long-term.
Thank you,
Jo Hayes
CEO, Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong
“Throughout these fruitful two months, I contributed to the team's research around current housing standards and conditions of substandard housing in Hong Kong. I was immensely grateful for this opportunity to help advance Habitat's meaningful mission by assisting with this research project, which I believe can serve as a foundation for the community development of minimum housing standards in Hong Kong.”
- Connie / Skills-based Volunteer
“Helping the elderly makes me very happy. A lot of them are elderly who live alone without anyone helping them. An elderly that I visited has not washed his bed sheets for a long time. I could not leave without helping him to wash the sheets myself. If your grandparents were in the same condition, I am sure you would help them without hesitation. We serve with our hearts.”
- Sau Feng / Local domestic worker
“I am so happy; there is no need to feel pressure anymore. In an internet café, I always had to watch the time. If I slept over, I had to pay additional hourly charges and skip lunch,” said Sato.
Sato had to move out of the staff dormitory after leaving his job. Internet cafes became his refuge. Without a registered address, he was not eligible for the JPY 100,000 (around HKD 7,300) government relief for COVID-19. It was also challenging to get a job. Through a partner organisation, we learned of his situation and helped Sato to move to a rental room.
Together, we build a better future
V-CO has been supporting our work since we moved in this May and we are especially grateful to their team and our fellow co-working space 'colleagues'. During the COVID-19 outbreak, V-CO provides space for us to store and pack the home hygiene kits, which help to keep the home of our partner families safe and clean.
This year on World Habitat Day, 5 October, V-CO extended their support to Habitat by donating all proceeds from the coffee bar on the day and advocating global housing challenge to members through their social network. Thank you!
World Habitat Day
In Hong Kong
- HK grants over US$880,000 for flood relief in Bangladesh (China Daily HK)
- Hong Kong needs more public housing, rent controls, NGO says after survey on low-income residents’ struggles (SCMP)
- Tiny 290sq ft temporary housing a welcome upgrade for some low-income Hong Kong families (SCMP)
In Asia
- Optimizing Incremental Building: Why the Answer To Decent, Affordable Housing for All Is Hidden in Plain Sight (NextBillion)
Around the world
Your monthly donation will help families in need of a decent place to build long-term financial security. With an affordable, stable home, families have more to spend on food, medicine, childcare, education and other essentials.
We appreciate the support of all our volunteers! Together, we can build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Join hands and be our volunteer today! We have openings for skills-based volunteers, so please get in touch.
Thank you to all who support Habitat for Humanity and our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Follow our Facebook page to receive more updates from us!
We are thrilled that our CEO, Jo Hayes, has been jointly nominated for a 2020 AmCham Women of Influence award along with 11 other charitable organisation leaders that make up the NGO Taskforce. The NGO Taskforce is an informal group of women leaders of non-subvented, s88 charities in Hong Kong committed to advancing a thriving and resilient nonprofit sector in Hong Kong.
This year's conference "Global Issues, Local [S]heroes. Women Taking the Lead" features women working in the fields that are crucial to the future of our world.
If you haven't signed up already, join the conference on 13 November!
Winners will be announced during the program. Tickets for this year's Women of Influence Conference are available now!
Contact us:
Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong
9/F, V-Point, 18 Tang Lung Street
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
enquiry@habitat.org.hk
+852 2520 4000
Copyright ©2020 Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong. All rights reserved.
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