A week after the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court, the government has distributed a HK$10,000 emergency subsidy to 1,921 registered households, with over a hundred families now receiving a separate HK$50,000 in living allowance.
Speaking on a radio program, Director of Home Affairs Priscilla To Kit-lai confirmed that the distribution of the one-time HK$10,000 subsidy to families is nearing completion.
To reported there were more than 1,930 applications for the emergency subsidy, with payments made to 1,921 families as of Tuesday night (Dec 2).
The remaining approximately 10 households are currently residing in other districts, and authorities will notify them to collect their subsidy at the district offices.
As for the HK$50,000 living allowance, the government has processed applications for 104 families and has begun the distribution.
While the Tai Po Community Center remains as a temporary shelter for residents in need, the Tung Cheong Street Community Hall has stopped receiving new arrivals.
To noted that there are currently about 20 residents housed in the temporary shelter, with efforts to arrange mid to long-term accommodation ongoing. She emphasized that the temporary shelters will remain open until all residents are provided with suitable housing.
"One social worker per household" to follow up every case
Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching reported that over 2,600 residents had been temporarily rehoused across short, medium and long-term accommodation as of Tuesday (Dec 2).
To assess individuals' accommodation needs, Leung highlighted the "one social worker per household" approach, reiterating that all affected households—owners and tenants—are eligible for support.
Leung added that more than 2,000 units, including hotels, youth hostels, and transitional housing, have been secured and will be offered free of charge to residents to meet their needs.
Additionally, Leung reported that the government's "Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po" has amassed approximately HK$2.3 billion.
He stated that the Fund will cover living allowances, condolence payments, funeral expenses, and specific aids for the injured residents, foreign domestic workers, construction workers, and affected students, with ongoing attention to community needs.
