A Hong Kong welfare group has dropped a controversial policy that barred displaced Tai Po fire residents in temporary housing from taking in-room appliances and furniture when moving out. The U-turn came hours after an outcry from affected residents, who argued the items were donated to them by the community.
SideBySide, a Hong Kong welfare group managing a government transitional housing project called Good House in Tai Po, has reversed its policy following backlash from residents displaced by a fire at Wang Fuk Court.
The temporary units, measuring just 150 square feet, were deemed insufficient for some families of three, prompting them to seek permanent housing. Initially, in a Sunday statement, SideBySide explained that items such as refrigerators, washing machines, television sets, beds, tables, and air conditioners were purchased using funds the group had applied for. It said donors had been consulted, agreeing that these supplies should remain for incoming residents, though smaller items like pillows, hairdryers, and heaters could be taken.
But a resident's social media post ignited the outcry: “The unit is only 150 square feet and not enough for my family of three. So, we decided to move out. ‘But why can’t we take away the furniture and appliances that … were donated to the victims? Can anyone tell me why?’”
Hours later, SideBySide scrapped the ban, allowing survivors to keep the donated appliances and furniture. The episode underscores the need for adaptable post-disaster aid policies that honor community donations.
