Youth hostel opens with solid bookings

A new youth hostel, Joseph's House, in Sham Shui Po threw open its doors yesterday, with more than 90 percent of its rooms being rented out.

Developed by Chinese Estate Holdings and Lady Lau Memorial Charitable Foundation, Joseph's House on Apliu Street provides a total of 84 places in 42 rooms for Hongkongers aged 18 to 30 at a monthly rent of HK$3,000.

Speaking in a opening ceremony yesterday, Chinese Estates chief executive Lau Chan Hoi-wan said the hostel had received more than 1,000 applications and inquiries since August.

"Only two rooms are still available and I believe they will be rented out soon," Lau said.

Eligible applicants must be Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 to 30 with a job, so full-time students need not apply.

They must have a monthly salary no higher than HK$26,000, total assets less than or equal to HK$390,000, and do not own any property in Hong Kong.

They are also required to commit to providing district or volunteer services of more than 200 hours a year.

Upon successful interviews, one can choose to rent an entire room, which offers two dormitory places, or share it with another person. All rooms are en suites, and services such as water and electricity supplies, wireless internet, and management fees are covered in the rent.

Tenants can cook, chat and join different activities and workshops in a shared space on the second floor, Lau added.

This marks the third hostel project under the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels, launched in January this year to help non-governmental organizations rent out hotel rooms for youths to live in.

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said the bureau had approved three projects, with the opening of Joseph's House bringing the number of places provided to 480.

"I hope young tenants can participate in various activities during their stay in the hostel to broaden their horizons and enhance themselves," Mak said.

"They are encouraged to give full play to their strengths to contribute to the community and build mutually beneficial relationships with the community."

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced in his maiden policy address in October that the government would provide about 3,000 additional places for youths to live in within five years under the scheme.