Nowon-gu, Senior Citizens' Wish Fulfillment Ham Project Underway

Support of up to 800,000 KRW per person in human and material resources for single elderly aged 70 and over receiving Basic Livelihood Security, Seoul-type Basic Security, or belonging to the near-poverty class

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is launching the 'Wish Fulfillment Box (函)' project to alleviate the isolation of low-income elderly living alone in the area and to inspire hope in their lives.

The Wish Fulfillment Box is a project that grants the dreams of elderly who have earnestly wished for something but have been unable to achieve it due to circumstances. The target beneficiaries are low-income elderly aged 70 or older living in the district, including recipients of basic livelihood security, near-poverty class, and Seoul-type basic security recipients.

Wishes can include various contents such as places they want to visit (hometown visits, travel, performances, sports viewing), things they want to have (daily necessities, medical and electronic devices), and things they want to try (repaying kindness, photography, dining out). Applications are accepted until June 30.

The boxes are installed at five community centers in Junggye 2·3-dong, Gongneung 1-dong, Hagye 1-dong, Wolgye 2-dong, and Sanggye 1-dong, where many low-income residents live. Those who wish to apply can visit the community center to confirm eligibility and then submit an application form into the installed Wish Box.

Selection will be made for 41 individuals based on the appropriateness of the wish, feasibility, budget, and other conditions, with support of about 800,000 KRW per person in human and material resources.

Moreover, support will not be one-time only; after wish fulfillment, depending on the individual's situation and needs, they will be connected with private and public social welfare resources to introduce and help them participate in appropriate programs and welfare systems.

The Wish Fulfillment Box reflects the growing community interest in elderly living alone households and is expected to contribute to forming a social safety net by promoting communication between elderly living alone and the local community.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Low-income elderly living alone are often isolated from society and vulnerable to welfare blind spots. We will implement various projects to encourage interaction and communication with the community, alleviate feelings of isolation, and provide tailored support.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.