Level of awareness and outreach of Community Development and Welfare Fund

588. Ms Elysa Chen: To ask the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what is the current level of awareness and takeup of the Community Development and Welfare Fund (CDWF) among low-income households and frontline referrers such as school counsellors and social workers; and (b) if awareness is below target, what measures will be taken to strengthen outreach

Response:

1.   Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: Mr Speaker, I am answering in my capacity as the Minister charged with the responsibility for the People’s Association.

2.   The People’s Association’s (PA) mission is to promote social cohesion and act as a bridge between the Government and the people. It is a Statutory Board that supports the elected Government of the day in implementing its policies and programmes. This includes providing social assistance and welfare support to residents in need.

3.   The Community Development Welfare Fund (CDWF) serves as one of the mechanisms to deliver such support. The CDWF is a Grassroots Organisation (GRO) -administered fund that supports local community and welfare programmes. Examples of such activities are grocery distributions, educational bursaries and scholarships, and direct welfare assistance for needy residents.

4.   GROs facilitate CDWF awareness and access through multiple channels.  Publicity at local estates include posters, banners and social media outreach highlighting available programmes. In some Divisions, partners such as schools and Social Service Agencies lean forward to work with the GROs through referrals to the CDWF programmes and publicity/ outreach efforts. We encourage all local partners to work with PA to support residents in need.

5.   Through PA’s networks, we are also aware of residents who require assistance. PA has many touchpoints on the ground including our many Community Clubs and digital channels such as neighbourhood chatgroups. Grassroots Leaders (GRLs), as familiar faces residing in the neighbourhood, are also well-positioned to identify residents in need through regular interactions such as community activities and house visits, and through their own neighbour networks. For example, when house fires occur, PA and GRLs are alerted of households that require interim housing and essential supplies through chatgroups or neighbours. Residents may also approach GRLs directly for assistance.

6.   PA will continue to strengthen our outreach and work with our partners to connect residents in need to the appropriate assistance.