I read the report (180 found living on the streets; Oct 7) with a heavy heart. I am sure there are ways we can assist these people sleeping outdoors.

Perhaps we could provide temporary shelter to them.

We must try to understand their plight and how tough life is for them.

We have to acknowledge that such a group of people exists, and we must reach out to them and provide the necessary assistance.

We have a stable and sound government who cares for the underprivileged, destitute and elders. It provides medical benefits, ranging from specialist care to health insurance.

Now, it should go beyond and see what can be arranged for these poor people living in Singapore who have difficult lives.

Maybe a special task force could be set up to see how best they can be helped.

The Government provides a range of assistance schemes, but some people are just not aware of them. We need to reach out to them personally and shed some light.

Many of us have good lives. We must sympathise and empathise with those whose lives are not the same, and do something about it.

Singapore is a caring nation and Singaporeans will play our part in caring for one another. We must believe in the spirit of giving and caring for the needy and underprivileged.

V. Balu