Changi airport is known as one of the best airports in the world for their cleanliness, facilities and comfort. However, they are now known for being compassionate as well.
On 15 September, Gilbert Goh, a Singaporean activist who runs an NGO which gives counselling to unemployed people posted a heartwarming story of how he went to Changi airport and found many homeless people resting at the lounge area. He says,
“I was shocked to see so many homeless folks holing up in our airport lounge during the blanket/sleeping bag distribution on 14 September.”
“But I am glad that they have a safe, clean place to rest their tired bodies away from the cold weather outside.”
He continues and recounts seeing about 15 homeless people in the airport and said that they were all sitting while resting and that there was only one elderly uncle who was sleeping on the cold, hard floor. He noted that most of them were men in their fifties and sixties with the exception of a few women. A few of the men were properly dressed in their shirts and pants. Gilbert believes that some of them hold day jobs but they might have not been able to secure any housing for certain reasons.
Gilbert then says that the airport is a safe haven for the homeless as it is clean and safe, especially for the females.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank the airport management for their compassion in allowing them to rest at the lounge – it speaks volumes of their love and commitment towards a more caring society.”
Do you think that more places should start doing this as well? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: Homeless Atok Digs Through Rubbish For Face Mask To Avoid RM1,000 Fine
