香港故事｜一间宿舍，一身铠甲：香港青年宿舍里的逐梦者

Core Insights - The Hong Kong government has expanded the "Youth Hostel Program" to provide affordable housing options for young people, addressing the high cost of living and limited space in the city [3][5] - The program aims to support young individuals in saving money and achieving personal development goals, with rental prices capped at 60% of the market rate for similar units in the area [3][5] - Youth hostels are not just living spaces; they serve as platforms for networking, skill development, and community engagement among young residents [4][6] Group 1: Youth Hostel Program Overview - The program offers rental rates not exceeding 4970 HKD per month, including utilities and internet, with eligibility criteria for applicants aged 18 to 30 [3][5] - As of September 2023, there are eight youth hostels providing over 3700 beds, with plans for three additional hostels to open by 2026 [5][6] - The initiative has received over 1400 applications since its launch in July 2023, achieving an occupancy rate of approximately 80% [3][5] Group 2: Community and Networking Opportunities - Residents are required to participate in at least 200 hours of community service and activities annually, fostering social connections and personal growth [4][6] - The hostels facilitate interactions among young professionals, leading to potential collaborations and career opportunities, as highlighted by residents' experiences [4][6] - The "Youth Station" project, set to open later, will provide additional affordable accommodation and host various cultural and artistic events to promote youth engagement [5][6]