The Story of How Yudeokyeol, Dongdaemun District Mayor, Saved a Homeless Person on the Street?... Monthly Salary of 800,000 Won

Dongdaemun-gu Provides Environmental Cleaning Jobs to 8 Homeless People at Korail Cheongnyangni Station

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) has signed a business agreement with Korea Railroad Corporation Cheongnyangni Station and Bridge Comprehensive Support Center to support the independence and self-sufficiency of homeless people, and has started operating the Homeless Hope Job Project Team.

The Homeless Hope Job Project Team is a project aimed at encouraging the work motivation of homeless people residing around the station by providing jobs such as environmental beautification, and supporting their independence through employment.

Korea Railroad Corporation Cheongnyangni Station provides job opportunities and project funds, while Bridge Comprehensive Support Center is responsible for employment counseling and operating vocational rehabilitation programs. Dongdaemun-gu selected eight homeless people with a strong will for self-sufficiency, conducted preliminary training, and started working five days a week (three hours a day) from May 3, performing environmental beautification activities around Cheongnyangni Station plaza, protecting and guiding homeless people.

Participants in the Homeless Hope Job Project receive a monthly salary of 800,000 won and continuous support such as medical care, housing, daily necessities, and connections to employment agencies.

In particular, all five participants in last year's Homeless Hope Job Project successfully escaped homelessness through independence and self-sufficiency, establishing themselves confidently as members of society.

Since last winter, Yoo Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, has visited places where homeless people mainly reside, such as Cheongnyangni Station, Jeongneung Stream, and Yongdu Bridge, listened to their difficulties, formed and operated a homeless patrol task force, and held meetings, continuously showing interest and providing welfare services for the homeless.

Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol stated, “The most important thing for the successful independence of homeless people is jobs,” and added, “I am grateful to Korea Railroad Corporation for providing homeless people with opportunities to restart through the formation of the Hope Job Project Team.”