Extreme poverty in Hong Kong: homeless life on a footbridge

Nguyen Van Son and Eppie Yip were among the 17 homeless people who lived on a footbridge in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong’s poorest district. After packing up their shelters in mid-July, some of them have moved to a nearby park. But the homeless problem still persists in the neighbourhood.

Hong Kong property is the most expensive in the world. The monthly rent for low quality subdivided flats even smaller than a car park space can cost more than HK$4,000 or US$509, while public housing has a five and a half year long waiting list. Soaring rents, and inadequate public housing force the city’s poorest inhabitants to sleep rough.

[sweeteststar]

The fact he has a tiny garden despite being homeless.... absolutely melted my heart

[jaydapiosen]

Even homeless.. they are still disciplined and keep their surroundings clean.

[samystarfish]

Always remember...we are closer to being homeless than becoming a billionaire..next time give it a thought and drop your pride

[onemoresi]

You may not have money but you still have self respect. That was good to see in the clip.

[JB-kgjs]

I feel bad looking at the Viet guy. He really looks like he tries his best to be positive and to be able to take care of himself and his surroundings. I hope he doesn’t crack mentally. I hope they are able to find him and catch up on him some day.

[biljam]

They all look so dignified, calm and respectful, these are not homeless people we used to see in Europe. Even people with homes from my country don't look so classy and clean like these homeless people from Hong Kong. I wish we could help them somehow.

[Elmaestrodemusica]

What's amazing is the people featured in this video do not seem angry with anybody, nor blame anybody for their plight. And yes, they attempt to keep themselves and their surroundings clean.

[glassesguy]

The crazy thing is I think being homeless for them is better than living in a cage house.

[lisahuang]

My heart goes out to these homeless people 💜 It hits different when you see seniors on the streets when they should be enjoying retirement 😔

[howo]

Damn the bridge is cleaner than my living room.

[benkysan]

What a waste of the bridge. If pedestrians don't use it why not allow people to live there

[AH-iltx]

That's the issue. Having a criminal record means there's no chance of starting over in a place like Hong Kong. Homeless women are so vulnerable. This city is full of rejection, very unfortunate.

[ryannt]

To be honest... it looks way better than San Francisco. At least they keep the place clean and not pooping everywhere like California

[oscarroswall-stanley]

If anyone has seen the Hong Kong cage houses, I’d rather this

[boardammo]

I respect this guy cause he still sweeps the floor! Those hoarders in homes don't even do that!

[LoriSF]

People should NOT have to live like this.
Bless them.

[shelli-ann]

His daughters cant help him? Can't imagine having my dad on the streets

[DennisSuryana]

even the homeless take a bath everyday

[petrosshaw]

These homeless in Hong Kong are cleaner people than 95% of the people who live in Arkansas, U.S.A.

[sean]

Respect to these unfortunate homeless people I love the way they are keeping their surroundings clean and tidy, I hope they get housed soon.