Fuelled by a belief that every citizen should have a roof over their heads, the vaunted Thai Department of Social Development and Welfare, spearheaded by the accomplished Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa, is taking proactive measures to revamp its housing subsidies programme for the homeless, in an attempt to accommodate a larger demographic. The past year revealed sobering figures, with less than 100 forlorn souls availing the benefit of the programme, drawing attention towards an urgent need to revamp the existing initiatives.
This philanthropic initiative, a collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, offers an enticing lifeline to homeless individuals, providing them with the means to acquire housing. A gleaming light at the end of the tunnel, the department generously covers half the rent for the participant’s apartment, curbing the daunting price tags and making homes an affordable reality.
But their intervention goes beyond mere financial assistance. The department vividly recognizes the importance of self-reliance and employment in bringing about a sustainable change. As such, they offer skill training sessions and employment opportunities, empowering the homeless to stand on their own feet.
To qualify for this life-transforming venture, applicants must be genuinely homeless and the chosen apartment’s monthly rent should hover within the 2,000 to 3,000 baht range. Varawut Silpa-Archa stressed that both privately owned properties and government housing can be considered acceptable living spaces under this scheme.
“In the first year of the scheme, fewer than 100 homeless individuals enrolled to receive these rent subsidies. Nonetheless, it’s heartening to note that many beneficiaries have since reintegrated into society as gainfully employed citizens, no longer needing the subsidies that were once their safety net,” the Minister disclosed.
He also shed light on the alarming increase in homeless individuals, especially in the heart of the country- Bangkok, with the bulk of them constituting part-time workers grappling with inconsistent earnings. Consequently, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has shouldered the onus to provide these marginalized members with steady streams of income, thereby alleviating the risk of their relapsing into homelessness.
Nursing this ambitious goal, Varawut Silpa-archa has planned a strategic discussion with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt in the coming week, to appraise him of the current situation and to map out the trajectory of homelessness in Bangkok, as per a report published by Bangkok Post.
The overarching aim of the ministry’s endeavours is to chip away at the mammoth problem of homelessness, marking an epoch of change in Bangkok and other bustling cities sprinkled across the enchanting Thai landscape. In the Minister’s own words, “By 2036, all Thai citizens should have the ability to secure housing, marking an upswing in their living standards.”
The Thaiger will ensure its readers stay abreast of these developments to ignite hope in humanity’s collective fight against homelessness.
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