Wong, Yu CheungYu CheungWongNg, Felix Sai KitFelix Sai KitNgChung, Yida Yee HaYida Yee HaChungNg, W. T.Chan, J. K. K.2023-06-232023-06-232022https://repository.sfu.edu.hk/handle/sfu/4078Official data shows that in 2021, there were 1,423 street sleepers in Hong Kong (excluding other forms of homelessness). However, the Hong Kong government has only subsidized a few NGOs to operate temporary shelters and homeless hostels. In this context, the Society for Community Organization pioneered a non-government-funded program called "Friend Home Hostel," a relatively long-stay hostel. This paper reports on resident profiles in this program and scrutinizes the functions of this program, drawing on data collected from a questionnaire survey and 21 in-depth interviews. The findings from this study are used to discuss the prospects and challenges of long-stay hostels that prepare residents for pathways out of homelessness. This long-stay hostel offers a social service model for the government and other NGOs by adopting a unique practice setting in which innovative and persistent intervention can promote the health and welfare of homeless people.enjournal article10.1142/S0219246222000043