Over 80% of Ang Mo Kio rental rooms rented

A new public rental housing site for singles in Singapore has seen over 80% of its rooms rented out. The site, known as the Single Room Shared Facilities (SRSF), is located at Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 and includes two 11-storey blocks designed for 480 tenants. National Development Minister Desmond Lee announced that around 400 singles have already occupied these rooms. The SRSF scheme provides low-income singles with private rooms along with shared facilities such as kitchens, toilets, and laundry rooms. This initiative was launched as a pilot program in late 2023 to give tenants more privacy while fostering a sense of community. Tenants receive a furnished bedroom that includes essential items like a bed, wardrobe, and fridge. The site is operated by New Hope Community Service, a social service agency that manages tenancy and offers support to residents. Mr. Lee reported positive feedback on this housing option, which is part of broader government efforts to assist low-income households. The government also runs the Joint Singles Scheme Operator-Run (JSS-OR) flats, which helps singles live together without needing to find a roommate independently. One of the new residents, 42-year-old Mr. Tan Yong Hock, previously experienced homelessness for over a year. After receiving support from social services, he moved into his new rental room in August 2024. Mr. Tan is grateful for his new living situation, where he pays about $150 monthly. He aims to save money for a larger flat in the future. Community building is emphasized at the SRSF site, with social workers providing emotional support and organizing activities to help tenants adapt. The government plans to build nearly 5,000 more public rental flats by 2030 as part of efforts to support the vulnerable population in Singapore.