A Home, At Last: The Lee Family's Story

(Name changed to protect the client's identity)

Mr Lee (not his real name) lives with his wife and their three school-going children, one of whom has special needs. For years, the family made do in a public rental flat, holding things together through more than a few difficult seasons. When they successfully balloted for a BTO flat, it felt like the start of something better. However, they could not afford the basic renovation and furniture needed to actually move in, even with Mr Lee taking on part-time work on top of his full-time job.

Mdm Lee, meanwhile, is managing ongoing health issues that require medication every other day. She hopes to return to work once she is well enough.

Their family coach at the Social Service Office (SSO) stepped in. An application was made to the Fresh Start Scheme to cover essential furniture, and a separate funder was approached for the renovation costs. The numbers worked out: the family could fully pay for the BTO flat itself through their CPF savings, which made the move sustainable in the longer term.

The Lees are now settling into their new home. Their home represents both shelter and strength, a space where the family's perseverance is quietly rewarded. It supports Mr Lee's steadfast care for his family, and gives Mdm Lee the breathing room she needs to heal. After everything the family has been through, it is proof that things do turn around.