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Living Assistance

Living Assistance

In today’s fast-changing world, many families face unexpected challenges and pressures. For vulnerable individuals and households in need, Tzu Chi offers direct, timely, and practical assistance, accompanying them through life’s difficulties. Beyond Tzu Chi’s own medical and educational resources, we also collaborate with external partners to connect families with essential community welfare support.

Guided by the principle of accompanying and caring for the whole person, the whole family, and throughout the whole journey, we prioritise the fundamental needs of vulnerable families, including food, shelter, and healthcare. Alongside providing living assistance, we offer long-term companionship and emotional support, aiming to nurture resilience and help families regain stability, dignity, and peace of mind.

With Our Support, We Safeguard Families in Need

Safe Home Programme

A safe, clean, and warm home is fundamental to a family’s well-being. It forms the foundation for children to grow in peace and for families to rekindle hope for a brighter future.

To support families in rebuilding a stable living environment, Tzu Chi introduced the Safe Home Programme, which will continue expanding in 2025. As a member of the NEAT (Needs Assessment and Environmental Assistance Taskforce) alliance, we work with the Ministry of National Development, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and various community partners to improve housing conditions for those in need. Together, we strive to create safer and healthier living spaces by reducing hygiene risks and potential fire hazards.

The types of living assistance provided by Tzu Chi are as follows:

Household Living Expenses

We provide basic household items such as beds, refrigerators, and wheelchairs to meet basic living and mobility needs.

Furnish & Retrofit Support

We assist with the installation of home safety features, including grab bars, anti-slip tiles, improved lighting, widened doorways, and bathroom upgrades to create a secure and accessible living environment.

Home Decluttering

We support families in decluttering and organising their homes, improving hygiene and creating a cleaner, healthier, and safer living space.

Continuous Care & Support

Through regular home visits, our volunteers offer ongoing support and share practical knowledge on home safety and hygiene. This consistent encouragement empowers families to maintain their living space with confidence and dignity.

How to Apply for Living Assistance

  1. For Social Workers or Social Service Agencies (SSA) Submit online [via link to Charity Services Porta]
  2. For Members of the Public
  • Submit Your Request: Please reach out to us via our online form, by phone, or in person.
  • Provide Documents: Kindly provide the necessary supporting documents for our verification process.
  • Submit Application Form: Please complete and submit the official application form.
  • Home Visit: Our team will arrange a home visit to better understand your specific needs.
  • Review & Assessment: We will carefully review your application and inform you of the outcome.
  • Assistance Provided: Once approved, assistance will be provided in the form of material support or financial aid, based on the assessment.
  • Ongoing Care: Our team continues with monthly home visits and regular follow-ups to ensure you receive ongoing support.

Reference: 疾疫紓困專案
If you or someone you know could benefit from this programme, we welcome you to reach out to us:

Apply by Phone: 65829958

Visit Us: Jing Si Hall, 9 Elias Road, Singapore 519937.

Meet the People Behind the Visits

Our home visits are carried out by dedicated volunteers who serve with sincerity and without expectation of reward. Through monthly visits, they bring warmth and care into each home by delivering aid, offering words of encouragement, and inviting families to participate in festive gatherings and community activities. At times, they also lend a hand with household chores or minor repairs. More than just offering help, they provide presence, build trust, and foster a sense of belonging, truly becoming like friends and family you can count on.

A Day Out with Volunteers Delivering Hari Raya Gift Packs to Care Recipients

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services are popular among the Chinese community, especially in areas like Redhill, a community with a relatively high elderly population. Therefore, since November 2011, Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore) started offering free TCM services such as consultation and acupuncture treatment from Monday to Friday to make full use of its space to meet local needs. The TCM clinical services are free for everyone regardless of religion and race. After serving the local community for more than a decade, the clinic was officially renamed Buddhist Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Redhill) in October 2022.

Frequently asked questions

My neighbour needs financial assistance for living. How can I inform Tzu Chi?
Thank you for your care and concern for your neighbour. Before reaching out to us, please ensure your neighbour is open to receiving assistance and is willing to share their personal information for follow-up. You may submit the case through our online form, by phone, or by visiting us in person.
I am currently receiving support from the government or another charity. However, due to recent changes in my circumstances (job, new baby), I now require additional aid. Can I still seek help from Tzu Chi?
Yes, absolutely. We understand that significant life events, like changes in employment or welcoming a new child, can affect a family’s circumstances and needs. Tzu Chi is here to support families through all stages of life. We encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your situation. We also work closely with government agencies and community partners under the Many Helping Hands approach, ensuring that families receive comprehensive assistance and holistic care.
My neighbour is causing concern in the neighbourhood due to excessive hoarding. What can I do?
Hoarding is often a reflection of deeper personal challenges, and while it may cause inconvenience to neighbours, it is important to approach the matter with empathy. As this issue is usually complex and not easily resolved through a one-time clean-up, we encourage you to first report the situation to your Town Council. They will be able to provide initial assistance and explore appropriate ways to support your neighbour with care and dignity.
Can I volunteer with Tzu Chi to support families in need?
Yes. Every act of kindness makes a difference. We warmly welcome you to join our community of volunteers. To become a home visit volunteer, you’ll need to complete an orientation and training programme to prepare you to serve with empathy, respect, and confidence.
Click here to learn more about volunteer training.