MSF allocates S$450,000 PATH fund to 17 pilot projects tackling rough sleeping in Singapore
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has approved 17 community-led pilot projects under its S$450,000 Partnership to Tackle Homelessness (PATH) fund, 11 of which target tailored support for rough sleepers. One initiative matches single rough sleepers with compatible co-tenants for pub
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has awarded S$450,000 to 17 community-led pilot projects under its new Partnership to Tackle Homelessness (PATH) fund, with 11 initiatives designed to provide more tailored support for rough sleepers. Announced on Wednesday (19 Aug) at the Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers (PEERS) appreciation event, the projects span housing, employment, outreach, social reintegration and youth support.
One housing-focused project is the Common Ground – Joint Singles Scheme (JSS) Matching Programme, run by Good News Community Services. The scheme matches single rough sleepers who want to apply for a public rental flat with compatible co-tenants, aiming to speed up access to housing while reducing the risk of shared living arrangements breaking down. Executive director Dr Steven Tham said a first matching event last month let participants use cards to indicate “non-negotiables” such as tolerance for late nights or loud music, helping identify compatible living preferences before they decide to live together.
Under the broader Joint Singles Scheme, two singles can jointly rent a flat. The JSS Operator-Run pilot allows singles to apply without first finding a flatmate, with a social service agency assigning flatmates based on profile, preferences and living habits. MSF’s January report noted that 58 per cent of rough sleepers surveyed were aware of the new public rental housing schemes, but only 39 per cent were willing to apply. “Getting rough sleepers to take the first step and meet a potential co-tenant can be challenging,” Dr Tham said, adding that trust-building can take months.
Another pilot, the Micro-employment and Apprenticeship Pathways to Stability (MAPS) by Hope Initiative Alliance, helps rough sleepers overcome employment barriers. Associate director Joyder Ng said the initiative offers tailored opportunities from apprenticeships to micro-jobs, aiming to make individuals work-ready rather than immediately placing them in long-term employment. “Having a job, being able to support themselves, being able to earn and spend their own money is something that helps them see they are worthy,” she said.
Six other projects will improve facilities at Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps), interim shelters in community-owned premises. Toa Payoh Methodist Church, which runs a five-person S3P, plans to use its PATH funding to install lockers, new mattresses, safari beds, an air purifier and a vacuum cleaner. Pastor Ming Feong Ching said lockers give rough sleepers a sense of security: “These are their personal belongings and not knowing if they are safe just creates additional anxiety. So they can go out to work or look for work without carrying all their belongings on them every day.”
MSF also recognised 12 organisations with five-year partner awards and welcomed 11 new organisations to the PEERS Network, which now includes more than 80 community partners, social service agencies and government bodies. “Every rough sleeper has a story that needs to be heard, and meaningful change begins with somebody choosing to show up,” said Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee. The next application window for the PATH fund will open in March 2027.
