TROLLEY
KNOW HOME,
KNOW FAMILY
Hundreds of people in Singapore
have no place to call a home.
This is a shocking fact for most Singaporeans who are unaware of the poverty that exists in their own backyard. Many come from broken families and poor backgrounds, and have fallen through the cracks of society.
They are seen out on the streets at night, but yet not heard. Their stories and
daily struggles are unknown to most Singaporeans.
But God knows.
VISION
To see Singapore’s displaced walking in restored identity & relationships.
MISSION
To catalyze lasting restoration in the desolate through frontline outreach, authentic family relationships, and personalized guidance.
"KNOW HOME, KNOW FAMILY"
Trolley Ministry serves the homeless in the city of Singapore.
We aim to be a safe family environment for the homeless to know their value as an individual, learn about family relationships, and be empowered to make changes. We are committed to walk alongside them in their journeys of healing and transformation.
We help the homeless restore their hope through reconciliation and forgiveness, establishing healthy relationships and foundations with them, providing individual guidance, teaching, counseling, and setting long-term development goals.
OUR VISION
OUR STORY
Nearing Christmas day of 2011, Reg experienced the unpleasant feeling of being left out of her friends' Christmas parties. Out of that experience, Reg thought about the poor and needy around her; what it's like for the homeless to feel left alone by friends and family.
Reg and her 3 friends decided to bring the spirit of Christmas to them. With gifts packed into a small trolley, they walked the city centre streets on Christmas night.
Initially, they saw just a handful of old men and women sleeping in void decks. But when they reached a wholesale market, they were shocked to find rows and rows of people sleeping on cardboard and wooden crates, both inside and outside. There were elderly divorced men awaiting their rental flats, a pregnant 20-year-old unwed mother smoking her stress away, a young divorced man with his hungry 9 year-old-son - Reg and her friends' hearts could not ignore them.
They found 50 homeless people that Christmas night, and the 12 gift packs in the single trolley was not enough. They promised the homeless that they would be back, and it was the beginning of an unlikely friendship with those living on the streets.
After journeying for around 12 years, we began to notice how much the landscape in Singapore had changed. When we first started out, very few people even knew about homelessness. For one of our clients to secure housing, it could take years. But today, the picture looks different. We have seen growing partnerships with the government, documentaries featured on CNA, and a broader awareness across the nation of the struggles faced by the homeless.
As we reflected on this, we felt that much of the original purpose of the Trolley Ministry had been fulfilled. Looking back, we are deeply thankful for the key milestones and impact over the years:
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Embarking on more than 1,000 Trolley Walks to seek out and engage individuals on the streets.
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Witnessing the multiplication of individuals and organisations who took up the call to love and care for the homeless across Singapore.
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Holding hundreds of talks and conversations with schools, churches, government agencies, and international groups.
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Seeing thousands of volunteers, businesses, and organisations form a wide network of support and collaboration.
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Supporting hundreds of clients practically, financially, with housing, or through counselling.
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Celebrating hundreds of birthdays and countless moments of joy with our clients.
Today, while some things have shifted, our heart remains the same. We continue to share knowledge and insights with those who are engaging the homeless, and we remain steadfast in our ongoing work—walking alongside individuals through personal connection, practical support, and empowerment.
At the same time, we have paused the intake of new volunteers and donations specifically for this work. We are deeply grateful for the generous support we have received over the years, and we will share updates should future opportunities arise.
Even as we look to the future, we remain committed to reflection, fresh strategies, and renewed efforts—seeking to serve the underserved and vulnerable with deeper and lasting impact.
Credit: https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/research/social-inclusion-project/homelessness-street-count/key-findings