Chen Jinrong, People’s Association

People’s Association staff Jinrong helped a resident hoarder to clear her home of items, improving the living environment for both her and her neighbours. 

Fengshan Constituency Office received feedback, through HDB, from residents who saw bed bugs appearing along the corridors due to a neighbour’s hoarding. Together with HDB, Jinrong, a Constituency Manager, visited the affected units. The resident hoarder, Mdm Ho, did not open the door for them. The next day, Jinrong visited again, this time with a disposable gown and plastic-wrapped shoes to prevent bed bug bites. 

Mdm Ho’s items were causing her to cough, but she was not willing to part with her items. Over three months, five visits and three phone calls, he managed to convince her, and she eventually agreed to declutter. Days before the decluttering took place, Jinrong made an extra effort to reassure Mdm Ho and address her concerns. 

The decluttering took two days. As the block had a long common corridor, Jinrong was mindful to arrange the disposal during non-peak hours so that it would not inconvenience other residents, even when it encroached on his personal time. He made sure to see the case through to the end. 

Mdm Ho’s unit was cluttered, leaving her little space for movement. This photo was taken when Mdm Ho finally agreed for CM Jinrong to assist her with the decluttering.

Pictured is a portion of the items that was removed from Mdm Ho’s unit. CM Jinrong was mindful to arrange the disposal during non-peak hours so that it would not inconvenience other residents due to the long common corridor.

Weeks after the decluttering of Mdm Ho’s unit, CM Jinrong continued to engage Mdm Ho to check on her well-being.