First youth housing hostel attracts strong interest
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said on Monday that around 300 people have signed up for the government's youth housing scheme, which aims to provide affordable accommodation for individuals aged between 18 and 30.  The scheme announced by Chief Executive John Lee in last year's policy address subsidises non-governmental organisations to rent hotels for use as youth hostels.  One of the proposals approved, from the Hong Kong United Youth Association, has seen a hotel on Morrison Hill Road converted into a youth hostel providing up to 194 beds. Rooms in the BeLIVING Youth Hub range from 176 to 324 square feet, with successful applicants having to pay monthly rent of between HK$3,800 and HK$4,800. Only Hong Kong permanent residents who earn a monthly salary of HK$25,000 or less and do not own any residential property can apply for the scheme.  Tenants are also required to complete 200 hours of community service a year, which the association will organise through events such as CEO talks and voluntary work. Online application is open on the youth association's website, with the first phase ending on April 28. The association's chairman, Alex Young, said the vetting process has begun and over 10 people have signed a contract. “We prioritise youth who can contribute to the community and we also would review whether the hostel assists and provides convenience to their [the applicants’] work-life balance,” he said. Speaking at the hostel's opening ceremony, Mak announced that more such projects will come on stream in the second quarter, located in both urban areas and the New Territories.