HKJC launches HK$720m project to uplift low-income families in transitional housing

The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Saturday the launch of JC PROJECT LIFT, approving a HK$720 million donation from its Charities Trust with an aim to uplift low-income households living in transitional housing. 

The announcement was the highlight of The HKJC Community Day at Sha Tin Racecourse, attended by over 200 charity and community representatives, under the theme of “LIFT Together, LIVE Better”. 

The five-year JC PROJECT LIFT will collaborate with 18 partners to provide comprehensive assistance to families in transitional housing projects. 

The project is based on the successful Graduation Approach used in rural settings overseas, but customized to address the challenges of poverty in the modern urban environment as the Urban Graduation Approach (UGA). 

To help families break out of the poverty trap, it focuses on enhancing family capacities and developing sustainable livelihoods. It empowers families financially through a savings scheme and initiatives to improve employment aspirations and prospects. Just as importantly, it seeks to build confidence and self-esteem, encouraging families to expand their social circle and to engage with the wider community. 

The five key components of JC PROJECT LIFT are JC LIFT Hub, Family Capacity Building Planner, Capacity Building Fund, Level-up Empowerment Employment Centre, and Saving Scheme. 

The programme will initially benefit 14,000 families in 25 transitional housing projects across the city. In the long run, it is hoped that the UGA model will be replicated in other housing settings in Hong Kong and potentially overseas.  

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the SAR government attaches great importance to the tripartite collaboration between the government, the business sector and the community. 

He also said he was pleased to learn about the HKJC’s launch of JC PROJECT LIFT, which will help, in an all-round manner, underprivileged families residing in transitional housing to expand their horizons and improve their living. 

HKJC Chairman Michael Lee Tze-hau said: “One of the club’s strategic charities focus areas is youth development and poverty alleviation. The club works closely with the SAR government and various sectors to create new opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to unleash their potential and contribute to society.”