Goheung County Launches Home Environment Improvement for Hikikomori Families

Goheung County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced that on the 25th, a large-scale volunteer activity was carried out for a reclusive hoarder household living in poor residential conditions. Over 30 people participated, including members of the Goheung County Saemaeul Women's Association, the Doyang-eup Community Security Council, and public officials.

The household was discovered during the "Winter Welfare Blind Spot Intensive Survey" and was referred as a high-difficulty case management target due to their reclusive lifestyle.

On the 25th, Goheung County conducted a large-scale volunteer activity targeting households with hoarding disorder and reclusive loners living in poor residential environments. About 30 participants, including members of the Goheung County Saemaeul Women's Association, the Doyang-eup Community Security Council, and public officials, took part in the event. Photo by Goheung County

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This household was at risk of dying alone due to severed relationships with neighbors and was struggling to improve their living environment because of disabilities and illnesses. Thanks to the case manager's continuous visits and persuasion, a thorough cleaning was finally carried out.

The yard was filled with various filth and garbage, causing unpleasant odors that affected neighbors, while inside, expired food, unused daily necessities, and other items were piled up to the point where there was no room to step.

On this day, volunteers completely cleared out 10 tons of garbage and waste and also disinfected both inside and outside the house.

A county official stated, "We are actively providing support to identify welfare blind spots and resolve crisis situations by utilizing various local human safety networks," and added, "Through these activities, we will make even greater efforts to help those in social isolation, such as reclusive individuals, open their hearts and step out into the world."

Meanwhile, Goheung County is in the process of enacting the "Goheung County Support Ordinance for Reclusive Individuals" to establish support regulations for reclusive people who are isolated from society and have difficulty participating in normal social activities, so that they can grow as healthy members of society and lead a dignified life.

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