'Jobs and Welfare Services for Vulnerable Groups'... Gangwon-do Operates Nation's First 'Public Blanket Laundry'

Expanded to 18 Cities and Counties in Gangwon-do, Creating Over 600 New Jobs

Gangwon Provincial Government

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gangwon Province announced on the 12th that it will operate the first-ever "Public Blanket Laundry" to support vulnerable groups with blanket washing among local governments nationwide this year.

Through the operation of the laundry service, the province plans to collect blankets for washing, deliver the cleaned blankets, and also deliver daily necessities and essential medicines together.

If cities and counties within the province provide locations for the laundry facilities, public enterprises will support installation costs (space interior, washing machines, dryers, electric vehicle purchase costs, etc.) with 200 million KRW per city/county.

The Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute will provide education for the elderly working at the laundry facilities, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare will support the elderly's labor costs (72 million KRW annually).

Private company CU will sell daily necessities and essential medicines at low prices, and DP Co., Ltd. will supply and provide free repairs for electric vehicles (Potro) used for blanket laundry and delivery of daily necessities.

Previously, the province signed a business agreement on the 11th with collaborating organizations such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare for the "Job, Welfare, and Green New Deal Converged Social Welfare Service-type Job Project."

This project was selected as one of the government's seven major collaborative tasks this year after the first and second expert evaluations and a third public review involving over 3,800 participants.

Governor Choi Moon-soon stated, "There are vulnerable groups who do not receive services such as blanket washing, which led to the promotion of this project," adding, "As it is a sustainable job creation and integrated living welfare service for vulnerable groups, we plan to expand it to all cities and counties within the province."