Our Intern Writes #7
“What does it take for someone to regain hope after years of hardship?” This question lingered on my mind as I met B, a man whose life had been defined by the constant struggle of navigating the challenges of homelessness, compounded by years of coming in and out of prison.
Meeting B was a deeply eye-opening experience. It was my first time engaging with a rough sleeper face-to-face, and I was struck by the vulnerability of his situation. His eyes carried the weight of a past riddled with frustration. B had been living on the streets for over a month, finding shelter in a multi-purpose hall (MPH). His past attempts to seek assistance had left him disillusioned after being caught in a seemingly endless maze of referrals and procedures. For him, the streets began to feel like a more viable option than seeking help. The MPH, though far from ideal, offered a refuge from the challenges and frustrations he had previously encountered.
A TODAY file photo of a rough sleeper, photographed during the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Listening to his story, I couldn’t help but feel disheartened. B shared how he had been passed from one service provider to another, caught in a cycle that left him feeling abandoned. For beneficiaries like B, seeking help can feel like reopening old wounds, marked by the tedious navigation around the bureaucracy of some organisations and the fear of being "ping-ponged" between different service agencies with no resolution of his difficulties. This unseen struggle shows how well-meaning systems can at times become barriers, leaving those in need of help feeling more hopeless instead. Thus, it was no surprise that B was now reluctant to trust again.
While I felt for B and the challenges he faced, I understood the importance of approaching his situation with care and sensitivity. Given the complexities of his past experiences, which may have possibly been intermingled with misunderstandings and miscommunications, his perception of the services available to him has become jaded.
“While I felt for B and the challenges he faced, I understood the importance of approaching his situation with care and sensitivity. Given the complexities of his past experiences, which may have possibly been intermingled with misunderstandings and miscommunications, his perception of the services available to him has become jaded. ”
To provide effective assistance, we now need to ensure that any support provided must address his actual needs. Simultaneously, it was crucial for B to be open and willing to accept help, as true progress would require his active participation and readiness to engage with the resources offered.
Despite his reservations, my supervisor and I brought B to a Family Service Centre (FSC). Fortunately, we were greeted by a social worker who recognised the urgency of B’s situation and knew exactly how to address his needs right away. At present, B has received emergency financial aid and secured accommodation at a temporary shelter. These immediate and tangible actions have been instrumental in addressing his urgent needs, offering him a renewed sense of hope.
This experience was not just about providing immediate relief, it underscored the delicate balance between offering help and fostering empowerment. At Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS), we aim to support beneficiaries like B in their journey towards independence, and not merely offering band-aid solutions. While it is important to empathise with beneficiaries on the pain and struggles they have endured, we must resist the urge to sympathise in a way that undermines their autonomy and agency. PFS has taught me that true empowerment comes from equipping them with tools and confidence to regain control of their lives.
Empathy is key. While it is tempting to handhold someone through every step of the recovery process out of a desire to protect and quickly alleviate their struggles, doing so can unintentionally create dependency. Instead, it would be more impactful if our goal is to guide beneficiaries, helping them regain their footing and navigate their challenges independently.
Meeting B was a powerful reminder of the importance of balancing care with accountability. For individuals like him, true transformation lies in rediscovering resilience and reclaiming their agency. Through this experience, I have learnt that effective support is not just about helping beneficiaries survive, it is about empowering them to thrive.