SINGAPORE - A halfway home for former drug offenders, which also provides long-term residents with refuge and training, is looking to increase its capacity to accommodate up to 170 people.

Breakthrough Missions, which was set up in 1983, currently homes 71 stay-in residents, staff and helpers at its three-hectare compound at Cosford Road in Changi, which it moved to only in July 2023.

There are another 19 staff who do not stay at the premises.

The halfway home is raising funds for the construction of two one-storey buildings within the compound. They will hold a 320sqm central kitchen and a multi-purpose facility for hosting events and workshops.

The project, slated to be completed by July 2026, is expected to cost about $5 million.

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

Upon completing the programme, residents can choose to stay on and become helpers. Those who choose to remain and work at the home are appointed as full-time staff members after three years.

Said Pastor Simon Neo, the founder of the halfway home: “There are residents in the home who have stayed on for 10, even 20 years to work together with me.

“The longest-staying resident has been here for more than 30 years.”

Chef Peter Teo, who runs Breakthrough Mission’s French cafe in Changi Village, was a former resident of the halfway home.

After completing a six-month rehabilitation programme at Breakthough Missions, he went on to complete a diploma in culinary arts at Shatec, and became an executive sous chef at a French restaurant.

Mr Oh Kim Poh, who has been living at Breakthrough Missions since 2015 and now works for the halfway home, said: “The central kitchen will provide us with a platform to teach reside...