Suwon Implements Special Winter Protection Measures for the Homeless

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City announced on the 19th that it is implementing special winter protection measures including nighttime patrols to ensure the safety of the homeless during the winter season.

To this end, the city has established special winter protection measures for the homeless and will provide protective activities and relief supplies to those exposed to various risks including cold waves and COVID-19 through March of next year.

Currently, approximately 170 homeless individuals exist in Suwon. Of these, 114 are identified as street homeless, making protective activities to prevent hypothermia among the homeless urgent in the event of sudden cold waves.

Accordingly, the city is forming a field response team to strengthen patrol activities from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The field response team involves protection agencies such as the Homeless Comprehensive Support Center and self-sufficiency facilities, administrative agencies including districts and neighborhoods, related agencies such as Maesan and Seoho Police Boxes and Suwon Fire Department, and civic organizations including the Suwon Marine Corps Veterans Association.

In particular, the Suwon Marine Corps Veterans Association will patrol key homeless areas during late-night hours from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning and check for emergency situations.

During patrol activities, relief supplies including hand warmers, sleeping bags, blankets, and hot water, as well as masks, will be prepared and provided to homeless individuals suffering from the cold.

Additionally, temporary housing support will be provided through temporary shelters, goshiwons, and inns, and emergency medical support will be strengthened to prevent hypothermia by regularly assessing health conditions.

Private support for the homeless has also been added. On the 12th, Hanbeot Church, which provides free meals to the homeless and vulnerable groups, distributed gift packages containing winter jackets, pants, ear muffs, nutritional supplements, bulgogi, japchae, and beverages to 300 people.

Seo Gyeong-bo, Director of the Welfare and Women's Division, said, "We will make efforts to ensure that not only the homeless facing hardship from COVID-19 and cold waves, but all vulnerable groups can safely cope with the cold waves."