SINGAPORE — Before Christmas, Red Dot United (RDU) Secretary-General Ravi Philemon shared on social media how his party helped a young couple by providing $250 to cover the deposit needed to secure the keys to their rental flat. While many showed support, some commenters questioned the couple’s inability to raise what they deemed a “small amount” and wondered whether the party had properly vetted the situation before offering assistance.

Under HDB’s public rental scheme, successful applicants must pay a one-month deposit, with rental amounts varying based on factors like household income and the type of flat. Philemon later posted a follow-up to clarify the couple’s situation and address critics who questioned the necessity of RDU’s intervention.

Philemon noted that some social media comments had been removed to protect the couple’s privacy, as they might have read the posts, and he did not want them to be hurt by insensitive remarks. He explained that his initial post lacked specifics due to his commitment to client confidentiality, stemming from his nearly 30 years in social services.

However, following public speculation about the couple’s circumstances, Philemon received their permission to provide additional details. He explained that RDU had conducted a social report on the couple and directed them to voluntary welfare organizations. It was only after confirming that no other agencies could offer the necessary assistance that RDU stepped in.

“We only provided the one-time financial assistance a day before their HDB appointment to collect their keys, once we had confirmation that no other welfare agencies were able to help,” Philemon shared. Without this assistance, the couple would have remained in an overcrowded rental flat with their in-laws.

Philemon further clarified that the couple had been saving their GSTV and cost-of-living payouts, totaling $1,400, along with an additional $2,000 in savings to cover the deposit and purchase furniture for their new home. However, a fire destroyed these funds, along with many of their possessions, just days before their HDB appointment. The woman, who freelanced as a beautician, also lost her tools of trade in the fire. Philemon estimated that the couple would need between $5,000 to $10,000 to fully rebuild their lives.

In his post, Philemon emphasized the need for a more compassionate society, criticizing the indifference ingrained by long-standing social policies. “There is an urgent need to unlearn this mindset and focus on building a society that cares for one another,” he concluded.