CE meets families in community housing and visits creative landmark
9.2.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (February 9) visited families living in units under the Community Housing Movement in Mong Kok to learn about their new living environment and daily lives. She then went to Lai Chi Kok to tour a modern landmark for creative design comprising two buildings converted under the Government's Scheme on Revitalisation of Industrial Buildings. Mrs Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, and the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), Mr Bernard Chan, visited families which moved into the community housing units at Soy Street in Mong Kok in recent months. Made available under the Community Housing Movement of the HKCSS as transitional housing to single-parent families who were inadequately housed, the 14 units in the building provided by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), mainly sponsored by the Community Chest and operated by St James' Settlement can accommodate 28 households. Under the promotion of the Government, the Community Housing Movement provides accommodation and support services for people in need with the joint efforts of welfare agencies, property owners, professionals and various sectors in the community. About 420 units, including more than 70 units from the URA, have been received by the HKCSS so far. They will be allocated to appropriate families after the completion of a series of procedures including inspection, identification of operators and renovation. "As stated in my Policy Address delivered in October last year, the current-term Government will think out of the box to facilitate the implementation of various short-term community initiatives to increase the supply of transitional housing, with a view to alleviating the hardship faced by families on the public rental housing waiting list and the inadequately housed. My thanks to organisations including the HKCSS, the URA, the Community Chest and St James' Settlement for rolling out the Community Housing Movement and the project in Soy Street in a short time. I am pleased to learn that the two single-parent families which have moved into the community housing units in Soy Street have not only solved their earlier problems of poor living conditions, but also gained an improved learning environment for the children," Mrs Lam said. Accompanied by the Head of Create Hong Kong, Mr Victor Tsang, Mrs Lam then visited D2 Place One and Two in Lai Chi Kok, including concept stores by non-profit-making organisation Fashion Farm Foundation to promote local fashion brands, creative markets with assorted handmade accessories, and time-limited shops opened by entrepreneurs of local brands or start-ups. She also met with some 30 local designers to learn about their creative experience and career development needs. In addition, she was briefed by representatives of Lawsgroup on the D2 Place project, including the progress of its participation in the Space Sharing Scheme for Youth under which the Government and the community collaborate to support start-ups and young entrepreneurs to rent co-working space or studios at a concessionary rate. D2 Place was transformed from industrial buildings to retail and commercial uses through the Scheme on Revitalisation of Industrial Buildings which had been implemented for about six years from 2010. "This term of Government is keen to promote creative industries, particularly in the further development of the design sector. We will strive to provide more space through the Space Sharing Scheme for Youth and financial assistance to the trade to help local designers develop their career and potential," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Friday, February 9, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:55 NNNN