City Councilor Seo Yong-gyu: "Gwangju Hope Center Must Be Significantly Improved"

"Rehabilitation Facilities Failing... Restructuring Needed"

Seoyonggyu, Gwangju City Council Member

Gwangju Hope Center, a rehabilitation facility for the homeless, is losing its function due to a decrease in the homeless population and long-term admissions, highlighting the need for significant improvements.

On the 4th, Seo Yong-gyu, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party, proportional representation), pointed out during the Gwangju City administrative audit, “Out of the 136 capacity at Gwangju Hope Center, only 55 residents are currently living there, with 22 staff members,” adding, “Most residents are long-term admissions, so the facility is not functioning properly as a rehabilitation center, making urgent and substantial improvements necessary.”

He stated, “Gwangju Hope Center admitted 3 people in 2022, 4 people in 2023, and 1 person in 2024, reflecting a decrease in the homeless population. Currently, most admissions are nighttime intoxicated individuals who leave after one day,” and claimed, “Some residents receive various government benefits and leave, but once those benefits are exhausted, they are readmitted repeatedly.”

He also criticized, “80% of residents’ admission dates range from March 1979 to 2018, and most are elderly, disabled, or mentally ill,” adding, “The facility has become a blind spot in welfare services for eating and sleeping, merely consuming Gwangju City’s budget.”

Councilor Seo emphasized, “There should be improvement plans to transfer all residents to elderly care facilities, mental health care facilities, or disability facilities according to individual characteristics through admission and discharge evaluations.”

He further questioned, “It is doubtful whether the Gwangju Restart Comprehensive Support Center is fulfilling its role. The overlap and purpose between it and Gwangju Hope Center should be reviewed, and structural reorganization such as integrated operation is necessary,” and proposed, “Gwangju Hope Center should be downsized and operated solely as a temporary protection facility by the Social Service Agency.”

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