Homeless seek shelter as Hong Kong temperatures drop in January cold wave

Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)

Many homeless people looked for overnight shelter as temperatures fell in Hong Kong in late January. Those forced to sleep on the streets were left shivering outdoors.

The government opened 18 temporary shelters across the city for people in need. The shelters offered mattresses, blankets, quilts, hot meals and water.

Some people living in subdivided flats also visited the shelters for hot food and a larger space to sleep.

Ambrose, a 60-year-old who lost his home and job during the Covid-19 pandemic, went to a shelter to stay overnight.

“I slept in a cupboard under a bridge. I come here when it is too cold or hot,” he said.

But not every homeless person goes to government shelters. Outside, some people slept in tents or boxes.

The latest data from the Social Welfare Department showed Hong Kong had 800 homeless people in 2023, down from 1,500 in the previous two years. As of October last year, the number of registered street sleepers was 606.

However, some community organisations helping the homeless say the figures might not reflect reality, as many prefer not to be registered.

Quiz time

1. Why did homeless people in Hong Kong seek shelter in January?

2. What did the government’s shelters offer?

3. How many homeless people did Hong Kong have in 2023?

4. Why might official data not accurately reflect the number of homeless people?

The homeless in Hong Kong sought shelter as temperatures dropped in January, with the government providing temporary relief. Still, some were left shivering outdoors. Photo: Antony Dickson

Suggested answers

1. because of a cold wave

2. mattresses, blankets, quilts, hot meals and water

3. 800

4. many people preferred not to be registered