Taichung, January 28, 2026
As a cold wave swept across Taiwan with temperatures dropping to around 10°C, a young family in Taichung’s Daan District was forced into homelessness after failing to pay rent. With nowhere else to go, the couple set up a tent in Guike Ecological Park, braving the cold with their one-year-old son.
The situation came to light on January 23, when concerned residents reported the illegal tent to police. Officers from the Daan Police Station arrived at the park and discovered a makeshift shelter behind the park’s stage. Inside were a 31-year-old mother surnamed Zhou, who holds a disability certificate, her toddler, and her 30-year-old husband.
Police learned that the husband survives on temporary jobs with unstable income. After falling behind on rent, the family was asked to leave their residence. Embarrassed to seek help from relatives, the couple chose to stay in the park despite the harsh weather, raising concerns for the child’s safety and well-being.
Following the report, the Taichung City Government’s Social Affairs Bureau intervened and coordinated immediate assistance. The family was temporarily relocated to a hotel in Dajia District to ensure they had safe shelter from the cold. Authorities also helped the mother successfully apply for NT$6,000 in emergency relief funds to cover short-term expenses such as food, accommodation, and daily necessities.
In addition to government support, a local charity organization, the “Baci Fang Zhen’an Charity Association,” provided further financial assistance to help the family cope with their immediate difficulties.
Dajia police emphasized that with the Lunar New Year approaching, the public is encouraged to remain attentive to vulnerable individuals in their communities, including those facing economic hardship or living alone. Residents who become aware of families or individuals in urgent need are urged to contact the police by calling 110 or the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s 1957 welfare hotline, so that public agencies and charitable groups can respond promptly and provide necessary support.