Taipei Bangka Park Closure Creates Uncertainty for Homeless Residents

TaiwanPlus News

Taipei’s Bangka Park, a gathering place for many in the city’s homeless population, has been closed off for renovations. While the city is working to relocate residents to official shelters, many are now facing uncertainty on the streets.

Transcript

00:00Once a bustling public center, now fenced off.

00:07This is Bunga Park in Taipei's Wanhua District,

00:10a hub and unofficial shelter for many who are between jobs

00:13or unable to find a roof over their heads.

00:16It's been closed for renewal, as the city looks to attract more tourists.

00:21Mr. Chen is one of the park's long-term residents.

00:23He says unhoused people from all over the country gather here for free supplies

00:28and a bit of kindness.

00:48But as construction begins, local NGOs fear its residents will have no choice

00:54but to seek shelter on nearby streets.

00:58The Taipei City Government has been working to refer park residents

01:15to shelters in other districts.

01:17But it is unclear how long they can stay

01:20and what their options are after that.

01:26For senior park residents like Mr. Chen,

01:42what they hope for is a shot at employment and stability,

01:46to have a stable income and meals to look forward to

01:49and to be able to take care of themselves.

02:04Official figures from 2023 put Taipei's homeless population

02:07at around 650, but the real number is likely much higher.

02:13Now, with a vital resource closing and government support limited,

02:17life is about to get even tougher for one of society's most vulnerable groups.

02:22Kang Ma Xu and Irene Lin for Taiwan Plus.

02:24There are many states this year,

02:41so a good thing about this scenario,

02:42I won't go back to the family home,

02:43but I can scrutinize myself with my ownδώ.

02:45The city of Asia and I've gotriers to work as much as

02:49the castle itself.

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