This paper describes the author's experiences while supervising refugee counselors and providing social welfare services to refugees in Hong Kong. The background of the worldwide refugee problem and the particular situation of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong are described in detail. The role of the refugee counselor in preserving the health and dignity of the refugees is discussed, and problems characteristic of high density living are described. The paper concludes with a progress report on the counseling services which lists the problems that had to be overcome in Hong Kong and explains how a program was designed to meet these problems. The action taken and improvements achieved by the program are described along with information about training refugee counselors and other personnel. (JAC)