Assessing Impact of Transitional Social Housing Projects and Urban Graduation Approach in Poverty Alleviation in Hong Kong

This study examines transitional social housing (TSH) projects in Hong Kong and the application of Urban Graduation Approach (UGA) for poverty alleviation in Hong Kong. Following the introduction of TSH policies in 2018 to improve low-income families' livelihoods, this research employs a quantitative approach combining longitudinal analysis and social impact assessment. Quantitative data was collected from 110 residents from TSH project through cohort interviews conducted in late-2022 and early-2024. The findings reveal significant improvements in residents' housing conditions, affordability, sense of security, social participation, and mental health. The study further analyzes the implementation of the newly developed UGA in TSH projects, a comprehensive poverty alleviation initiative that combines housing provision with intensive social interventions. The UGA framework includes deploying Family Capacity Building Planners who develop tailored intervention plans focusing on market-linked employment support, financial and digital inclusion, life skills coaching, and household asset-building. The implementation of TSH and UGA demonstrates promising impacts in addressing both immediate housing needs and long-term poverty alleviation goals. This research contributes to both housing policy and poverty alleviation literature by examining how temporary housing solutions, when coupled with targeted social interventions, can serve as platforms for sustainable socioeconomic development. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive approaches in housing policies and social services to effectively address the complex challenges faced by low-income families in Hong Kong's urban context.