TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Advocates for Taiwan's homeless population intensified their calls for legal protections on Monday (June 9) as a major urban renovation threatens to displace dozens of vulnerable individuals. The Homeless Association (無家者聯盟), a civil society organization representing the interests of people experiencing homelessness, pressed government officials at the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, to enact specific legislation that would establish dedicated funding and resources for homeless services. The group's public appeal comes amid growing concerns that without legal safeguards, the rights of homeless individuals remain precarious in the face of urban development priorities.
The immediate catalyst for the advocacy group's renewed push is the planned renovation of Bangka Park (艋舺公園), a historic public space in one of Taipei's oldest districts that has long served as an unofficial shelter for people without housing. Homeless advocates warn that the impending redevelopment could trigger what they describe as the most significant displacement of homeless individuals in Taiwan's recent history. The association has demanded that city officials implement comprehensive relocation plans with appropriate support services before proceeding with construction activities that would force dozens of vulnerable residents from their makeshift homes.
In response to mounting criticism, the Taipei City Department of Social Welfare (社會局), the municipal agency responsible for social services, released data showing a significant reduction in the park's homeless population. Officials reported that 59 registered homeless individuals currently reside in the park, down from previous counts. The department detailed its ongoing relocation efforts, which have placed five people in transitional halfway houses and secured community rental accommodations for seven others. Four additional individuals are awaiting placement in facilities operated by private charitable organizations. Chiu Ching-hsiung (邱慶雄), a section chief within the department, emphasized the progress made in addressing homelessness, noting that the overnight population in Bangka Park has declined by more than half over a five-year period.
City officials have emphasized that the majority of those affected — 78% according to their data — originated from outside Taipei, complicating jurisdictional responsibilities for their care. The department confirmed that as of Monday (June 9), their relocation program had successfully moved five individuals into halfway houses while providing short-term rental subsidies lasting three to six months for seven others. The renovation timeline is advancing rapidly, with construction barriers scheduled for installation on June 19, effectively closing off sections of the park. For those still lacking permanent relocation arrangements when fencing begins, the city has designated several social welfare centers to provide essential services including bathing facilities and temporary overnight accommodation, with social workers assigned to maintain ongoing contact with displaced individuals. ◼