Trends and dynamics of homelessness in Hong Kong: evidence from population survey in 2015 and 2021

Siu Ming Chan; Hung Wong; Yikang Chen; Shennan Li; Ka-Ki Chung; Crystal Ying Chan

doi:10.1186/s12889-025-24749-y

Trends and dynamics of homelessness in Hong Kong: evidence from population survey in 2015 and 2021

Siu Ming Chan^*, Hung Wong, Yikang Chen, Shennan Li, Ka-Ki Chung, Crystal Ying Chan

^*Corresponding author for this work

Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review

Abstract

This study examines trends in homelessness in Hong Kong, comparing data from surveys conducted in 2015 and 2021. The research aims to identify trends and contributing factors, explore context-specific factors, analyze the relationship between housing, employment, and homelessness, and determine factors influencing its duration. Data from the H.O.P.E. Hong Kong 2015 and Hong Kong Homeless Census 2021 surveys were analyzed, encompassing demographic information, conditions of homelessness, and social relationships, health, and personal behavior. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA analyses were employed. The study identifies significant differences in the duration of homelessness based on demographics and employment status. Individuals with disabilities, those unemployed for longer periods, and CSSA recipients experience longer durations. Regular contact with family and friends was associated with shorter durations of homelessness. The study emphasizes the importance of improving access to public housing, addressing employment challenges, and providing support services to the homeless population.

© The Author(s) 2025

Original language	English
Article number	3331
Number of pages	12
Journal	BMC Public Health
Volume	25
Issue number	1
Online published	3 Oct 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24749-y
Publication status	Published - Dec 2025

Funding

N/A.

Research Keywords

homeless
housing
poverty
Causes of homelessness
Hong Kong
Homeless policy

Publisher's Copyright Statement

This full text is made available under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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abstract = "This study examines trends in homelessness in Hong Kong, comparing data from surveys conducted in 2015 and 2021. The research aims to identify trends and contributing factors, explore context-specific factors, analyze the relationship between housing, employment, and homelessness, and determine factors influencing its duration. Data from the H.O.P.E. Hong Kong 2015 and Hong Kong Homeless Census 2021 surveys were analyzed, encompassing demographic information, conditions of homelessness, and social relationships, health, and personal behavior. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA analyses were employed. The study identifies significant differences in the duration of homelessness based on demographics and employment status. Individuals with disabilities, those unemployed for longer periods, and CSSA recipients experience longer durations. Regular contact with family and friends was associated with shorter durations of homelessness. The study emphasizes the importance of improving access to public housing, addressing employment challenges, and providing support services to the homeless population.{\textcopyright} The Author(s) 2025",

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author = "Chan, {Siu Ming} and Hung Wong and Yikang Chen and Shennan Li and Ka-Ki Chung and Chan, {Crystal Ying}",

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T2 - evidence from population survey in 2015 and 2021

AU - Chan, Siu Ming

AU - Wong, Hung

AU - Chen, Yikang

AU - Li, Shennan

AU - Chung, Ka-Ki

AU - Chan, Crystal Ying

PY - 2025/12

Y1 - 2025/12

N2 - This study examines trends in homelessness in Hong Kong, comparing data from surveys conducted in 2015 and 2021. The research aims to identify trends and contributing factors, explore context-specific factors, analyze the relationship between housing, employment, and homelessness, and determine factors influencing its duration. Data from the H.O.P.E. Hong Kong 2015 and Hong Kong Homeless Census 2021 surveys were analyzed, encompassing demographic information, conditions of homelessness, and social relationships, health, and personal behavior. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA analyses were employed. The study identifies significant differences in the duration of homelessness based on demographics and employment status. Individuals with disabilities, those unemployed for longer periods, and CSSA recipients experience longer durations. Regular contact with family and friends was associated with shorter durations of homelessness. The study emphasizes the importance of improving access to public housing, addressing employment challenges, and providing support services to the homeless population.© The Author(s) 2025

AB - This study examines trends in homelessness in Hong Kong, comparing data from surveys conducted in 2015 and 2021. The research aims to identify trends and contributing factors, explore context-specific factors, analyze the relationship between housing, employment, and homelessness, and determine factors influencing its duration. Data from the H.O.P.E. Hong Kong 2015 and Hong Kong Homeless Census 2021 surveys were analyzed, encompassing demographic information, conditions of homelessness, and social relationships, health, and personal behavior. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA analyses were employed. The study identifies significant differences in the duration of homelessness based on demographics and employment status. Individuals with disabilities, those unemployed for longer periods, and CSSA recipients experience longer durations. Regular contact with family and friends was associated with shorter durations of homelessness. The study emphasizes the importance of improving access to public housing, addressing employment challenges, and providing support services to the homeless population.© The Author(s) 2025

KW - homeless

KW - housing

KW - poverty

KW - Causes of homelessness

KW - Hong Kong

KW - Homeless policy

U2 - 10.1186/s12889-025-24749-y

DO - 10.1186/s12889-025-24749-y

M3 - RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal

C2 - 41044496

SN - 1471-2458

VL - 25

JO - BMC Public Health

JF - BMC Public Health

IS - 1

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ER -

Trends and dynamics of homelessness in Hong Kong: evidence from population survey in 2015 and 2021

Abstract

Funding

Research Keywords

Publisher's Copyright Statement

UN SDGs

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