A transitional housing operator has reversed its policy after residents displaced by the Wang Fuk Court fire complained they could not take donated appliances with them when moving out.
Some residents at "Good House," operated by the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, said they were told they could not take items like refrigerators and televisions provided for them when they vacated the units. They are leaving because rent will soon be charged and the roughly 150-square-foot units are too small for their families.
The society initially stated on social media that these appliances, part of "Ten Treasures" provided for the unfurnished units, needed to remain for subsequent Wang Fuk Court residents moving in, as agreed with donors. It said only items like clothes and small appliances could be taken.
Following public feedback, the society issued an update on Sunday evening, saying Wang Fuk Court residents can now take the appliances they need when moving out. It pledged to replenish the items quickly for the next batch of residents.
The Housing Bureau, responding to inquiries, said it generally respects donors' wishes, and items donated specifically for affected residents can usually be taken upon departure. It added it was pleased the society was handling the matter flexibly.
The bureau noted some large appliances and furniture are intended as fixed installations for successive batches of residents, funded either by donations or the operator itself. Residents were informed these should not be removed. It encouraged residents to use the HK$50,000 relocation allowance provided by the government to purchase suitable furniture and appliances.
Online discussions saw some netizens questioning the initial policy, arguing donations were intended for the fire victims personally, not to be retained by the housing project.
