S'pore woman spends 4 years rough sleeping due to clutter at home, more than 30 volunteers step in

More than 30 volunteers cleaned out the home of a woman who had been rough sleeping at her lift landing because of the amount of clutter in her house.

In a Facebook post, community initiative Ang Mo Kio Secondary School Social Move (AMKSS) said the woman, whom they called "Aunty", had been doing so for the past four years.

Her home was filled with hoarded items piled all the way to the ceiling, leaving barely enough space for the main door to open, the organisation said.

Volunteers cleared her home

More than 30 volunteers came together on Aug. 9 to help clear the woman's home and make it possible for her to sleep safely inside.

After years of rough sleeping, the harsh living conditions had taken a toll on her health, AMKSS explained.

The most meaningful moment of the day was seeing her smile when volunteers uncovered and retrieved some of her "treasured belongings" which she had long forgotten.

"Sometimes, decluttering is not just about clearing things away. It is about giving someone back their dignity, safety, memories and a place they can truly call home," AMKSS wrote.

AMKSS thanked the volunteers for their "dedication, energy and hard work", saying they came together to make a difference in someone’s life, while creating a safer and healthier home and reducing potential fire and health hazards.

They also thanked the Ministry of National Development's New Environment Action Team, the Housing and Development Board and the Jurong-Clementi-Bukit Batok Town Council for their support in making their mission possible.