For months, Mr Chiang, 70, barely slept.

Each night, he woke up scratching; his skin irritated, his breathing laboured. Bed bugs had taken over his home, and despite his best efforts, the infestation only worsened.

“I used to wake up scratching all over; I couldn’t breathe properly or sleep because the bed bugs were everywhere,” he recalls quietly.

Living alone in a small rental flat, Mr Chiang had always taken pride in managing on his own. But as health problems and financial strain began to build up, even daily routines became a challenge. The bed bugs, the smell, the sleepless nights; they slowly wore down his strength and spirit.

When Filos learned of his situation, we stepped in to help. Through our community partners and support network, Mr Chiang was referred for home refurbishment, received financial assistance to fumigate his flat, and was given new furniture to replace what had been damaged.

“Thank you Filos, for the new furniture and for eliminating the bed bugs; my sleep and skin are better,” says Mr Chiang with a grateful smile.

Today, his home is bright and welcoming, a place of comfort once again. His nights are peaceful, his health has improved, and most importantly, he feels hopeful. “I want to keep my home clean and healthy,” he shares. “It makes me feel better.”

For seniors like him, even small setbacks like a health issue, a broken appliance, or a pest infestation, can quickly spiral into a crisis. Many older Singaporeans living alone face similar struggles: rising costs, declining health, and homes that need repair.

Studies show that lower-income households have seen their wages grow much more slowly than the rest, making it harder to keep up with daily expenses. For those already living on the edge, a small disruption can mean choosing between food, medical bills, or keeping the lights on.

This Christmas, let your giving bring comfort, dignity, and hope to neighbours like Mr Chiang.

Every act of kindness helps someone believe again in brighter days ahead. 

Hold out hope and make a difference today at https://bit.ly/FR-HOH2025!