"The second phase of the project will provide 76 one-person flats of 135 square feet, each with its own toilet and bathroom, electric water heater, air conditioner and cooking space with electric stove.

"Located at 1A Chin Chow Street, Sham Shui Po, Elegance Exchange Phase 2 is now accepting applications from eligible persons in two categories. Applicants must be Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above; currently living in sub-divided flats, squatter huts, rooftop structures and other inadequate accommodation or in urgent need of housing; be in full-time employment or have applied for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance; and have a practical plan to move out within a maximum of two years' accommodation.

Category A applicants must have been on the Waiting List for PRH for at least three years, while Category B applicants are those who have been on the Waiting List for PRH for less than three years or are not on the Waiting List for PRH and have urgent housing needs. Applicants of both categories are required to pass an interview with a social worker of St. James' Settlement for assessment and approval.

Senior Manager of St. James' Settlement, Ms. Chan Nga Yan, said yesterday that apart from improving the housing environment for grassroots families, Elegant Society also places great emphasis on neighbourhood relations, community awareness and healthy living among residents. She said that residents build up a good support network through daily communication, such as celebrating festivals together, participating in neighbourhood welfare affairs, planting and sports activities, etc.

The second phase of the project is now open for application and she hopes that more people will benefit from the housing support services.