HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – March 25, 2024 – Housing problems are widespread in cities around the world, and governments around the world are actively working to solve their own housing problems. In Hong Kong, more than 200,000 people currently live in inadequate housing conditions. The United Court transitional housing project has become a beacon of hope and social innovation.
Government-subsidized United Court is a groundbreaking tripartite initiative led by the non-governmental organization Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, in collaboration with leading property developer Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) and the government. This unique partnership aims to provide affordable, people-friendly housing solutions that transcend traditional notions of accommodation.
“The Housing Office has launched and funded a new community policy aimed at stimulating a social movement leveraging partnership between different sectors to better utilize available temporary land resources and temporarily vacant premises to relieve pressure on those in need housing needs,” said Winnie Ho, Secretary of Housing, HKSAR Government.
United Court was the first fully completed large-scale transitional housing project in Hong Kong. It offers a comprehensive range of programs, activities and community engagement opportunities to restore residents’ confidence, build resilience, facilitate their reintegration into society and empower them to regain control of their lives. Leveraging innovative Integrated Modular Construction (MIC) technology, it successfully built 1,800 apartments in just 10 months, effectively meeting the urgent needs of 5,000 residents.
Adam Kwok, executive director of SHKP, said: “The location of United Court is very convenient. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk to the nearest MTR station, and there are many community amenities nearby, including schools, markets and playgrounds. He said seeing more than a thousand families enjoying their new homes made their efforts truly rewarding. As well as providing the site free of charge, SHKP undertook site cleaning and training, schematic design and site submissions. planning, as well as construction and property management advice.
United Court’s recent recognition with the prestigious Gold Award for Service and Experience Design at the DFA Design for Asia Awards, presented by the prestigious Hong Kong Design Center (HKDC), once again highlights its global reputation. Professor Eric Yim, President of HKDC, praised the project and said: “What impressed us even more is its sustainable and human-centered design that improves user experience. It demonstrates how good design can be when combined with care and consideration for those who need it. , has the power to have a greater impact beyond short-term housing. »
“We are delighted to receive the internationally renowned DFA Design for Asia Awards – Gold Award as it is a great encouragement for us. We are happy to have the opportunity to tell good stories for Hong Kong,” said said Ms Patricia Lau, CEO of Wellness Council.
Government-subsidized Hong Kong has achieved an extraordinary feat with its transitional housing movement, leading and pioneering a new global standard in social impact and innovation. The government has identified land to accommodate more than 21,000 transitional housing units, exceeding the initial target of 20,000 units. This success is the result of broad societal participation, with NGOs and social enterprises as well as property developers and the construction sector, working closely with government to make a difference. With this move, Hong Kong demonstrates that it is a thought leader in harnessing cross-sector resources and expertise to innovatively address its social housing challenges.
For United Court video and details, please visit:
Video:
https://youtu.be/qdc2UwDTS64
Details:
https://www.skhwc.org.hk/zh-hant/strategic_initiatives/detail/10/
Hashtag: #HKSKHWelfareCouncil #unitedcourt
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