Halfway house for ex-drug offenders expanded to take in more residents

Funds being raised to construct two buildings for a central kitchen and multi-purpose facility

- Claudia Tan

A halfway house for former drug offenders, which provides long-term residents with refuge and training, has increased its capacity to accommodate up to 170 people.

Breakthrough Missions, set up in 1983, currently houses 71 stay-in residents, staff and helpers at its 3ha compound in Cosford Road in Changi, which it moved to in July 2023. There are another 19 staff who do not stay on the premises.

The halfway house is now raising funds for the construction of two one-storey buildings within the compound. They will hold a 320 sq m central kitchen and a multi-purpose facility for events and workshops. The project, slated to be completed by July 2026, is expected to cost about $5 million.

The construction of the two buildings is part of the second phase of renovation works. The first phase, which was completed in April 2025, involved expanding the compound's infrastructure to accommodate more stay-in residents, staff and helpers.

Residents of the halfway house go through an 18-month programme, which includes vocational training and reintegration support. They also attend Bible study classes and receive counselling.