Singapore’s rough sleeper count dips in 2025; S$450,000 fund launched to tackle homelessness

0 January 9, 2026 11:45

More support for Singapore’s rough sleeping and homeless communities, including redesigned accommodations meant to address privacy and storage concerns. The Social and Family Development Ministry has also set aside nearly half a million dollars to tackle underlying causes. Rough sleepers are classified as those who spend the night in public spaces, but may have housing to return to. In a single night count in 2025, there were nearly 500 of them, about 30 less than a similar count in 2022. The demographics of rough sleepers have remained consistent: Most were male and middle to older-aged, more than half were aged above 50 and about half were Chinese. Meanwhile, according to an Institute of Policy Studies study, access to social workers at transitional shelters is a key factor in helping those end their state of homelessness. Chloe Teo reports.