ImpactHK Does Kindness Matter? (Part I) (LUE4003)

Summary

Hong Kong’s high property prices contribute to homelessness, but the true size of the homeless population is unclear because the government lacks accurate, up-to-date statistics. People may be counted when they seek help at government temporary shelters, which open during extreme hot or cold weather. During the rest of the year, services rely largely on NGOs that provide basic, short-term accommodation and assistance. Shelter stays average about two months, and people often return to the streets afterward. Some applicants may be refused if they show clear signs of drug addiction.

ImpactHK, registered as a charity in 2017, aims to help people leave the streets and rebuild their lives. Founder and CEO Jeff Rothmeyer says the work began with visits to people experiencing homelessness in Sham Shui Po to provide food. These visits grew into a regular outreach effort, and the organization came to see friendship as central to building trust and supporting lasting change.

Rothmeyer describes ImpactHK’s approach as holistic and tailored to each person. Alongside counseling, mentorship, sports, and art, the charity seeks to offer meaningful employment. It also works with more than 20 schools, teaching young people to care for people experiencing homelessness without judging them. Rothmeyer objects to the term “street sleeper” because it can suggest that living on the street is a choice and minimize the hardship involved.

He identifies social indifference and judgment as major obstacles, noting that stigma can limit people’s opportunities and potential. ImpactHK’s response, he argues, is to build understanding and use kindness to create connection, hope, and empowerment.

Presenters and Contributors

• Jeff Rothmeyer: ImpactHK founder and CEO; interviewee
• Interviewer: Not identified in the subtitles