1. This report presents findings from a nationwide single-night street count and survey of rough sleepers on 11 November 2022, which was conducted by MSF in collaboration with the Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers (PEERS) Network. 860 volunteers supported the count, including community partners, academics, and members of the public.
2. MSF strives to support all homeless persons and rough sleepers, and has been working closely with partners in the PEERS Network to provide coordinated assistance. The street count provides an update on the rough sleeping situation in Singapore after the lifting of COVID-19 safe management measures and border restrictions.
3. The single-night count found 530 rough sleepers, which marks a decrease from 921 rough sleepers sighted in a previous local single-night count in 2019. This suggests progress in whole-of-society efforts to engage rough sleepers, bring them into the social support eco-system, and support their complex needs.
4. Among these rough sleepers, 57 participated in the survey. Beyond securing and maintaining housing, many respondents also reported facing other challenges, such as disagreements with family or co-habitants, and irregular income or debt. This reinforces our understanding that multiple and possibly interrelated factors can lead to rough sleeping, and these may not be easily resolved.
5. MSF will continue to work with the PEERS Network to support each rough sleeper in addressing their various challenges towards obtaining stable long-term housing. We invite everyone to join the efforts to support rough sleepers. To volunteer with the PEERS Network, members of the public may contact the PEERS Office at msf_peersoffice@msf.gov.sg.
6. Please read the full report here