[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City is implementing the 'Housing Upgrade Support Project' to assist vulnerable housing groups in relocating to public rental housing.
The city announced on the 10th that it will spend 160 million won this year to support the relocation of 120 vulnerable households living in densely packed areas such as Dongincheon-dong in Jung-gu, Manseok-dong in Dong-gu, and Hyoseong-dong in Gyeyang-gu to public rental housing.
By linking with the Volunteer Center's 'Lunchbox Support Project' or collaborating with local housing welfare specialized organizations, the city identifies eligible recipients, provides customized counseling, and offers information on rental housing such as eligibility for residency, location and vacancy information, housing benefit qualifications and application methods, and housing finance counseling from banks.
Upon request from relocation candidates, staff accompany them to search for housing on-site, and within the budget, moving expenses and daily necessities are also supported.
The housing for relocation through housing upgrade is public rental housing managed by Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and Incheon Urban Corporation (iH). If immediate relocation is difficult due to unavoidable reasons, temporary accommodation and support for rent and management fees are provided until moving into public rental housing.
Additionally, to ensure stable settlement of the relocated residents, post-move-in life care services will be provided.
After conducting vocational training, jobs are linked to help self-reliance, emotional management and psychological counseling are provided to alleviate psychological depression during the early stages of independent living, and health, medical welfare services, as well as cultural and leisure activities are supported.
Currently, recipients of housing benefits who have lived for more than three months in lodging houses, inns, jjokbang (small rooms), or semi-basements (underground) at risk of flooding can inquire or apply at any time to the Incheon Housing Welfare Center, the project executing agency.
This project was selected through a Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport public contest and is promoted by Incheon City. Last year, 70 vulnerable households relocated to public rental housing.
An official from Incheon City stated, "We assist from housing counseling and document preparation to moving into rental housing and settlement processes," and "we will do our best to improve the housing environment of vulnerable groups and ensure citizens' housing rights through continuous and professional housing welfare projects."
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