As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to soar in the city, let’s not forget about the most vulnerable and marginalised in our midst. Access to cash is one of the many challenges the city’s asylum seekers face. Each adult non-refoulement claimant receives a prepaid HK$1,200 supermarket voucher per month from the government, but with prices at supermarkets become skyrocketing, it has come to our concern and top priority to providing much-needed assistance for the community along with our supporters and community partners.
On the other hand, many trafficking survivors are staying in Hong Kong with a visitor visa (for processing legal procedures) which leaves them no choice but to stay at boarding houses or emergency shelters. Crowded living space exposes them to the risk of infection. Survivors of trafficking also usually experience mental and physical trauma from the past, which causes chronic illness. If they test virus positive, their medical challenge is not just the long waiting hours at public health care, but the possible serious complication. Visit STOP’s social media for more stories.
Our first round off-site to-the-door distribution of food items, coupons, and medical supplies was done on 24 and 25 February with the help from our community members (they are our heroes!), serving around 50 households across various districts in the first batch.
Our second off-site to-the-door distribution was done on 11 March with the help from our community members and volunteers. 46 households across various districts were served so far. We have also rolled out distribution plans on a weekly basis for those who have only limited access to supplies, targeting to reach over 110 households by end of March.
Our third off-site to-the-door distribution was done on 18 March with the help from our community members and volunteers. 68 households across various districts were served on this round making 114 were served in total so far.
Our fourth off-site to-the-door distribution was done on 25 March with the help from our community members and volunteers. 43 households across various districts were served on this round making 140 households were served in total so far.
Our fifth and last off-site to-the-door distribution in phase two was done on 1 April with the help from our community members and volunteers. 111 households with 346 individuals across various districts were served on this round.
Happy to see everyone working hard on this.
Volunteer E
Thank you to all Branches of Hope team. We appreciate your effort to help us.
Community member R
Thank you so much it made my day so grateful. When I received the food packed that you given for us and also for the coupon. only I can say more is God bless you and your intire (entire) family.
Community member P
It’s very difficult for us during this pandemic because its too much pressure fir us as a parents,, our daily life like affect us mentally, emotionally and also financially, our food card like useless because we have nothing to buy now at park n shop and we cant used that card to other store.
Community member F
Thank you so much to all of staff and organisers. God bless us.
Community member A
Who I’m today it’s because I received many support and I feel I am blessed to have that. And I wish to spread this support and care to many people who like me.
Community member H
Adventist Development and Relief Agency
Bird & Bird
Chinese International School
Crossroads International
Federation of Hong Kong Brands
Foodlink Foundation
Give2Asia
Golin
International Organization for Migration
Jean Ho Foundation
New World Development Company Limited
The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Hong Kong
The Vine
The Yeh Family Philanthropy
YWAM Tuen Mun
…and all of you who supported us by donating via our crowdfunding page or providing in-kind donations.