Needy families living in the two interim rental housing blocks in Ang Mo Kio are able to get help at their doorstep with an initiative where social service professionals are located right at their blocks.

Called the Transition Plus, this programme was launched in January. Two social workers and three support staff from the Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres work from two units within the flats, so they are "on-the-ground" and are able to better engage with the families who need help.

The Interim Rental Housing scheme provides temporary shelter for families in financial hardship and waiting for more permanent housing. Two families share a unit, usually a three-bedroom flat.

Currently, about 50 out of 200 families living at the blocks receive help under this programme. The rest are being "monitored closely for indicative risks" such as financial difficulty when they are not able to pay rent.

Manager of Transition Plus Isaac Teo, 30, who is also an assistant senior social worker at the blocks said: "The benefit of us being there is really to provide accessible help readily. This concept also motivates people to want to get help because it is more convenient."