Disabled Residents in Ssokbang Find New Homes Through Public-Private Partnership

Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, Supports Housing Stability for People with Disabilities

“Having a whole room to myself was a dream, and thanks to all of you, it has come true.”

Active cooperation between the public and private sectors has given a new life to a household with a disabled person living in a small room. This was made possible through the integrated case management in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Mr. A, a disabled person with a mental illness, had been living isolated from his family in a small room without even a bathroom. Due to his mental illness, he was in an unstable situation, having to move frequently.

Last year, Gwangsan-gu identified Mr. A’s issues through crisis investigations and counseling for vulnerable groups suspected to be in welfare blind spots, designated him as a ‘high-difficulty case management target,’ and connected various resources to provide necessary assistance.

First, they applied for the ‘Housing Upgrade Support Project for Housing-Vulnerable Households’ at the Gwangju Metropolitan City Comprehensive Housing Welfare Center and accompanied him through the process of finding a house, signing the contract, and preparing for the move.

Until he moved into the new home, he was provided with temporary accommodation for households in housing crisis.

After three months of preparation, Mr. A completed his final move to the new residence on the 20th. This place allows move-in without a deposit, and by linking with the basic housing benefit, the burden of monthly rent was also alleviated.

Volunteers helped with cleaning before moving in. Gwangsan-gu supported moving expenses and essential home appliances with case management project funds.

Escaping loneliness and anxiety and starting a new stable life, Mr. A’s expression brightened. Participating in various treatment and healing programs at the Gwangsan-gu Mental Health Welfare Center, he now smiles more often and appears more comfortable than at the beginning of case management intervention.

In particular, he reconnected with his family, from whom he had been estranged. His younger sibling and nephew helped with moving and organizing, leading to positive changes such as restored relationships and reduced feelings of isolation.

Mr. A said, “I achieved my dream of having even just one whole room thanks to many helping hands. I will cherish this gratitude and live diligently.” He also expressed his wish to “invite those who helped me through Gwangsan-gu integrated case management to my home as a way to give back.”

A Gwangsan-gu official said, “We hope that Mr. A, who has started a new life in a new home and environment, will never be lonely again and will live joyfully and happily. We also thank the various local institutions and organizations that joined forces and worked together to help Mr. A.”

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