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When we think of Changi Airport, we picture Jewel\u2019s indoor waterfalls, and the butterfly gardens at various terminals.<\/p>\n
But what many may not realise is that the world-famous airport is also a temporary refuge for rough sleepers, especially during the festive period.<\/p>\n
Singapore activist Gilbert Goh and four volunteers from Love Aid Singapore recently combed the airport\u2019s terminals till 2am to distribute S$50 ang pows and oranges to homeless individuals sheltering there.<\/p>\n
In an Instagram post on February 16, Gilbert shared they gave out 24 ang pows that night. Based on his observations over the years, he estimates that there are about 70 to 80 homeless individuals staying at the airport over the Chinese New Year.<\/p>\n
According to their IG posts, Gilbert and his team have been documenting their efforts since 2020.<\/p>\n
Love Aid Singapore is a non-governmental organisation that counsels unemployed Singaporeans\/<\/p>\n
\u201cThe world-famous airport is a conducive place to rest for rough sleepers as it is air-conditioned, safe, and very clean,\u201d Gilbert wrote.<\/p>\n
He noted that some of the elderly individuals he encountered were in their 80s, with airport trolleys filled with water bottles and plastic bags, which are tell-tale signs that they were not simply travellers waiting for a red-eye flight.<\/p>\n
Gilbert also wrote that it isn\u2019t always easy to spot the differences, writing, \u201cI am however, glad that the team could figure out the difference by looking at the contents of the airport trolley.<\/p>\n
He also urged Singaporeans on what they can do.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we prepare to celebrate CNY soon, please spare a thought for our elderly homeless folks who have nowhere or no one to celebrate reunion dinner with tonight,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
His post drew strong reactions, with many netizens thanking him for raising awareness.<\/p>\n
Some also admitted it was their first time hearing that homeless individuals were sheltering at the airport.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for bringing this to light. I really had no idea this was happening. Will support your initiative in this,\u201d read a comment.<\/p>\n
One even asked, \u201cI didn\u2019t know we had that many homeless people in Singapore. Are they Singaporean?\u201d, to which many replied that they were.<\/p>\n
Another felt the Singapore government needed to do more for these people and commented, \u201cNo citizens in Singapore deserve to be homeless. It just doesn\u2019t make sense that we have high standards of living, amazing facilities, and community-based support, yet citizens aren\u2019t getting proper shelter. Likely there is more than one reason, but the government needs to do better\u201d.<\/p>\n
In 2017, Changi Airport Group said its staff would advise individuals not to seek shelter at the airport when spotted, following a report by The Straits Times about a woman who had reportedly lived there for eight years.<\/p>\n
The airport operator also added that it would work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Family Service Centres to assist those in need.<\/p>\n
8days.sg has reached out to Changi Airport Group for an update.<\/p>\n
According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development, there were approximately 496 homeless and rough sleepers in Singapore in 2025, \u00a0down from 530 in 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n