Together with the government’s initial HK$300m injection, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po now has around HK$1.2b, which will be used to help affected residents rebuild their homes and to provide “long-term and persistent support.”
Both the government and the private sector have been pitching in to offer various kinds of assistance to victims of the tragedy, from emergency cash, to temporary housing and the provision of everyday items.
The government said it has registered more than 1,900 households for an emergency cash subsidy of HK$10,000 per affected household to provide immediate relief. As of 1pm on Sunday, subsidies had been handed out to 1,420 households.
Family members of each deceased victim will get an additional HK$200,000 as a token of solidarity, along with HK$50,000 for funeral and related expenses. Fees for columbarium and related services will be waived.
Separately, affected households will be given a living allowance of HK$50,000 starting this week.
Social workers of the Social Welfare Department have been in contact with about 1,300 affected households, and 3,200 affected residents have been registered for the “one social worker per household” support service.
Those who have yet to get in touch with their dedicated social worker have been urged to call 182 183 as soon as possible.
Members of the public have also been coming forward with donations of everyday essentials for the residents of Wang Fuk Court.
The government has set up a central supplies station at the Tai Po Community Centre to coordinate and manage the donated materials.
It’s also set up a new online donation platform www.taipodonation.hk to register donations and enable officials to better consolidate information and distribute supplies to residents in need as necessary.
Many affected residents have been set up in temporary housing – 1,144 people have moved into transitional flats provided by the Housing Bureau or the Housing Society, while 683 others are staying at youth hostels, camps or hotel rooms as of Monday morning.
People still looking for accommodations can call the Task force on Transitional Housing at 3611-8482 for more information about the free housing. Pets, officials say, are also welcome.
General information about support services can be found at the government’s on-stop dedicated website www.taipofire.gov.hk.
