Singapore Reports Drop in Rough Sleepers, Launches New Fund

The number of rough sleepers in Singapore experienced a slight decrease of 6.4 per cent in 2025 compared to 2022. This statistic was reported by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on January 9, 2026. In response to ongoing homelessness issues, MSF announced the establishment of a new fund of S$450,000 (approximately US$350,489) aimed at supporting community organisations in their efforts to address homelessness. Applications for this fund will open on April 1, 2026.

On July 18, 2025, a total of 496 rough sleepers were counted during a single-night survey, down from 530 in 2022. The term “rough sleepers” encompasses individuals who sleep in public spaces, whether they lack housing entirely or have a home but cannot return to it. It is important to note that not all homeless individuals sleep rough; many may seek temporary accommodation in shelters while looking for stable housing.

Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law, Social and Family Development, spoke to the media at the Yio Chu Kang transitional shelter, addressing misconceptions surrounding rough sleeping. He urged the public to view rough sleepers with empathy rather than considering them a threat. Chua encouraged community members to engage with rough sleepers, suggesting that simple acts of kindness can foster meaningful connections.

Details from the Rough Sleeper Count

According to MSF, volunteers initially recorded 573 observations during the street count, but 77 were excluded as they did not meet the criteria for rough sleepers or were confirmed foreign nationals. The count included all Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) planning areas in Singapore that were safe and accessible at night, excluding locations such as military zones and private residential estates.

The count identified rough sleepers in 35 out of 36 URA planning areas, with Tengah being the only area without any recorded rough sleepers. The highest numbers were found in Bukit Merah and Jurong West, with 39 each, followed closely by Bedok with 38. In contrast, Kallang had the highest count in 2022, with 50 rough sleepers. The report indicated a “declining concentration” of rough sleepers, as the number of areas with more than 20 rough sleepers decreased from nine in 2022 to eight in 2025.

Demographics reveal that approximately 85 per cent of rough sleepers were male, with over half being over the age of 50. The survey, which took place from July 27, 2025, included responses from 128 rough sleepers, representing 26 per cent of those counted. A notable finding was that 77 per cent of respondents had been sleeping rough for more than a year, indicating a potential entrenchment in their circumstances.

Understanding the Factors Behind Rough Sleeping

The survey revealed that nearly half of the respondents (47 per cent) reported having a home to return to, including public rental flats and properties owned by family members. The MSF report highlighted that rough sleeping is not solely a consequence of a lack of housing but often involves complex personal situations that prevent individuals from returning home.

Significant factors contributing to rough sleeping included disagreements with family or co-tenants (49 per cent), difficulties in securing or maintaining housing (29 per cent), and financial struggles (20 per cent). Employment status among respondents showed that 65 per cent were employed, with 35 per cent working full-time. However, more than 70 per cent of those employed earned less than S$2,000 (US$1,558) per month.

A majority of respondents (95 per cent) indicated they regularly slept in the same location where researchers spoke to them, suggesting a preference for familiar surroundings. Interestingly, 80 per cent stated they had never stayed in a shelter, and over half of those who had previously utilized shelter services were not open to returning.

Despite this, 57 per cent expressed a desire to transition into long-term housing, such as public rental flats or purchasing their own homes. The findings indicated that many rough sleepers view their current situation as temporary, with two-thirds of those planning to continue sleeping rough also holding other accommodation aspirations.

To further assist those experiencing homelessness, MSF’s new fund, named the Partnership to Tackle Homelessness (PATH), aims to support initiatives addressing the root causes of rough sleeping. The fund will enable community organisations to trial various solutions, including medical and psychological support, as well as social services.

Additionally, MSF has partnered with transitional shelters to redesign units for improved privacy and storage, encouraging more individuals to accept shelter support. Other measures include facilitating financial assistance and connecting individuals with employment opportunities through Workforce Singapore.

The commitment to addressing homelessness in Singapore is evident through these initiatives, highlighting a concerted effort to improve the lives of rough sleepers and provide them with pathways toward stable housing.