Homelessness in Singapore | SleepOut SG 2025

HOMELESSNESS EXISTS
IN SINGAPORE

When we think of homelessness, we often imagine faraway places—shelters in America, tent cities in Europe, subway stations in bustling metropolises. But the truth is quieter in Singapore. It hides in plain sight.

It looks like someone sleeping under the staircase of an HDB block.
It sounds like footsteps echoing in an empty park at 3AM.
It feels like holding a job by day but having nowhere to go at night.

Forms of Homelessness

Homelessness is defined as a lack of access to adequate housing (Ng, 2021). There are different forms of homelessness:

Primary Homelessness

People who do not have accommodation and have to sleep in public places

Secondary Homelessness

People living in temporary housing such as interim shelters or moving frequently between accommodations

Tertiary Homelessness

People living in insecure and inadequate accommodations

What the numbers say

In the first nationwide street count conducted in 2019 by researchers from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), between 921 and 1,050 people were found sleeping rough in public spaces across Singapore.

In 2021, the number of rough sleepers decreased to 616, while shelter use increased significantly—from 65 to over 400. In total, 1,036 individuals were identified as homeless.

A Pandemic Response: From Streets to Shelter

At first glance, it may seem like homelessness was significantly reduced. But the real story is more complex—and encouraging in some ways. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant national push to provide shelter for people with no permanent home

Community groups, government agencies, and social service organisations worked together to:

Expand shelter spaces, including Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps)
Conduct outreach efforts to engage rough sleepers and offer them temporary accommodation
Ease entry barriers into shelters, especially during heightened public health risks
Provide essentials such as food, hygiene items, and emotional support

As a result, many who were previously sleeping in public spaces accepted support and moved into shelters. Shelter occupancy rose dramatically—from 65 beds in 2019 to over 400 beds in 2021.

In essence, the number of homeless individuals did not necessarily drop—rather, more of them were indoors and less visible, thanks to active outreach and improved shelter access.

Who are homeless in Singapore?

Here’s a summary of key data on the profile of homeless individuals in Singapore, based on the two major street counts led by Dr Ng Kok Hoe and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) in 2019 and 2021, along with information from the MSF 2022 street count.

9 out of 10 are males

Female rough sleepers are less visible, possibly because they avoid rough sleeping and seek alternative arrangements (eg. couch-surfing, temporary stays).

56%

were aged 51 & above

Homelessness in Singapore disproportionately affects older adults, especially single elderly men.

Younger homeless individuals tend to find short-term or hidden accommodations (secondary homelessness), making them less visible in street counts.

Even among the unemployed, most had worked previously but lost jobs due to illness, caregiving duties, retrenchment, or age discrimination.

70%

were unemployed

30%

were employed

Most worked in low-wage, manual, or shift-based jobs, such as cleaning, security, construction, or delivery. Many had irregular hours, unstable income, or were on temporary contracts. Despite working, they could not afford rental housing, especially with rising living costs and limited access to public rental flats.

Housing History

Almost all rough sleepers had lived in HDB flats at some point in their lives.
Most were born and raised in Singapore, and had once held stable housing.
Only a small minority had never lived in HDB flats.

Common Causes of Homelessness

Family Conflicts

Estrangement, divorce, or abuse leading to being forced out

Ineligibility for Rental Housing

Some do not meet criteria for HDB public rental (e.g., citizenship, family nucleus)

Affordability Issue

Inability to pay rent due to low income or rising living costs

Eviction from Shared Rental

Especially in overcrowded flats or room rental arrangements

Health Issues

Long-term illness leading to job loss and inability to afford housing

Loss of Caregiver Role

After caring for an elderly parent or relative, they are evicted from the flat once the person passes

Resources

Click to read more on the reports:

Homeless in Singapore - A Nationwide Street Count

Led by Dr Ng Kok Hoe and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) in 2019 and 2021

Report on the Street Count of Rough Sleepers 2022

Ministry of Social and Family Development April 2023

Journey: Home Series

Get a first-hand look at our work on the ground. Join our Senior Operation Executive, Jeremy, as he experiences (a little of) what it’s like to be someone passing through our shelter services and programmes. Discover how we put your money to work to get our beneficiaries on their journey home.