Youth homelessness in Singapore is a growing but often hidden crisis, affecting young people under 35 who struggle with family conflict, mental health challenges, and financial instability.

Many move between friends’ homes, temporary shelters, and the streets, keeping their situations secret out of shame or fear of judgment.

And behind the statistics are real stories of isolation, resilience, and survival - youths who feel misunderstood by peers and adults alike, navigating a society where housing policies and social support systems don’t always meet their needs. 

On The Big Story, Nadiah Koh speaks to George Wong, Assistant Professor of Sociology at SMU, to unpack why youths in Singapore are experiencing homelessness and how family conflict, mental health challenges, and gaps in social support shape their struggles.