Paldal-gu Implements Special Protection Measures for Vulnerable Groups During Winter

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Paldal-gu in Suwon is implementing the "2020 Winter Special Protection Measures for Vulnerable Groups" to ensure that underprivileged residents can spend the winter, the most difficult season for them, safely and warmly.

The special protection measures will operate three teams—the Situation Management Team, Crisis Household Team, and Cold Wave Response Team—led by the head of the district's Social Welfare Division until February of next year, providing comprehensive support to vulnerable groups.

Ten divisions including Haenggung-dong are conducting non-contact surveys of living conditions for low-income households, middle-aged single-person households, and elderly individuals living alone, followed by on-site visits when necessary, implementing customized welfare services to eliminate welfare blind spots.

For street homeless individuals most vulnerable to cold weather, the Suwon Fresh Start Homeless Comprehensive Center is conducting outreach activities centered around Suwon Station, and taking linked measures in case of emergencies.

For elderly individuals collecting recyclables, safety education is being provided and safety equipment such as thermal vests have been distributed, and plans are being made to operate cold-wave shelters at welfare centers and other facilities within the district depending on the COVID-19 situation.

Additionally, severely disabled individuals who are eligible for medical assistance benefits will receive a monthly heating allowance of 50,000 won for five months starting in November.

For crisis households in welfare blind spots not receiving public support, warm supplies and heating costs will be provided.

Using donations received from companies and individuals throughout the year, heated water mats and winter blankets will be provided to residents of small rooms, and heating allowances of 100,000 won will be provided to 90 households of elderly recyclable collectors and low-income middle-aged single-person households.

Kwon Chan-ho, head of Paldal-gu Office, said, "By implementing the winter special protection measures for vulnerable groups, we will carefully examine welfare blind spots that do not receive public support and make efforts so that residents facing a particularly cold winter due to COVID-19 can spend a somewhat warmer winter."