A Chinese book by the name "Nothing Left but Money" (窮得只剩下錢) became famous a few years ago. The name is now a popular phrase often used to sneer at those who are materially rich but spiritually and perhaps even morally poor.

How about poor people then? What have they got left?

Dignity, one might say. Some people believe dignity is the intrinsic worth that inheres in every human being – rich or poor. While some believe it is the worth rising from an individual’s ability to live properly in a society.

Low income families suffer from the high raising of rent, however, the Government's newly announced Policy Address still lacks immediate relief measures. Meanwhile, a new survey by Oxfam Hong Kong titled "The Living Conditions of Tenant Households Who Have Been on the Waiting List for Public Rental Housing for Over 3 Years" found that over 70% of poor, non-CSSA private tenant households (the so-called "N have-nots") have not received any offer of public rental housing even after waiting over four years.

Every person has a different idea of a ‘comfortable abode’. For Mrs Poon (alias) and her family, it does not have to be a 1,000 square foot luxury apartment with upscale finishes and fabulous views. What she hopes for is an affordable rental flat that is conveniently located in the city, and nothing more.

Oxfam is dedicated to fighting poverty and inequity worldwide. The international and independent development and humanitarian organisation tackles poverty in four main ways: sustainable development in poor communities, disaster relief, local, national and global advocacy, and education with Hong Kong youth. Established in Hong Kong in 1976, Oxfam Hong Kong is a founding member of Oxfam, an international confederation that has assisted poor people in 94 countries. Oxfam Hong Kong alone has supported poor people in over 70 countries/regions.