MSF assisting man seen sleeping at Clementi void deck after Stomp alert

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) told Stomp that it is providing the necessary help to a man who was seen sleeping on a mattress at the void deck of Block 327 Clementi Avenue 5 on Oct 2.

Stomper M alerted Stomp to the man's situation after he noticed him while taking his mother to a clinic at the said block.

"I visit this block every Wednesday at about 11am to take my mum to see her doctor," he said.

"This was the first time I've noticed this man sleeping there. He was sleeping half-naked on a mattress.

"The authorities need to check on him."

In response to a Stomp query, a spokesman from Jurong-Clementi Town Council said on Oct 4 they have since removed the mattress from the area.

"Our Property Officers have previously spotted the same man resting at the void deck and have warned him to refrain from doing so. 

"He has not slept at the void deck since.

"We have removed the mattress at that area and would require the assistance of the police if the situation recurs."

On Oct 15, the town council said in an update: "We have not seen the man recently, however, our staff have been briefed to offer any assistance he may need should we encounter him again."

An MSF spokesman responded to Stomp regarding the situation in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 16).

"We thank the Stomp reader for his public-spiritedness," the spokesman said. 

The individual in the video is known to MSF’s Social Service Office (SSO) @ Clementi and Rotary Family Service Centre (FSC). 

"He has been supported with ComCare financial assistance from April until September 2019, and the SSO is looking into his application for extension. 

"The SSO has also linked him up with Rotary FSC to assist him with securing alternative shelter. 

"The man has declined the shelter options offered and shared that he will be staying with a friend.

"The SSO and Rotary FSC will continue to engage and provide the necessary help to him.

"Building an inclusive and a caring society is a collective effort."

The MSF added that should anyone come across individuals or families who require support, please reach out to them via their ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000 or approach the nearest SSO (www.msf.gov.sg/ssolocator) or Family Service Centre (www.msf.gov.sg/fsclocator).