Jungnang-gu Provides Separate Heating Cost Support of 1 Billion KRW (23,000 Households) with 100,000 KRW Each Beyond Government Energy Vouchers... Leading Cold Wave Vulnerable Protection with Elderly Check-ins, Meal Deliveries, and Cold Wave Shelters
Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) is taking proactive measures to ensure that vulnerable groups can have a safe and warm winter.
The district announced on the 26th that it will provide heating cost support worth approximately 2.3 billion KRW to reduce the burden on vulnerable groups struggling due to consecutive cold waves and rising heating expenses.
The beneficiaries are about 23,000 households of recipients and near-poverty groups, each receiving 100,000 KRW. This support is separate from the government-provided energy vouchers and will be given in cash to eligible recipients without a separate application.
In particular, the goal is to complete the proactive support within January to promote stable and warm living conditions for vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the district has designated the period until March 15 as the ‘Comprehensive Cold Wave Countermeasure Period’ and has prepared thorough and extensive support measures.
First, the district has strengthened welfare checks for elderly people vulnerable to cold waves. When cold wave or heavy snow warnings are issued, life support workers directly check on elderly people living alone and provide guidance on safety measures.
Furthermore, IoT devices that monitor movement, temperature, humidity, and fire safety in real time have been installed in about 570 households to establish a meticulous care system for the elderly.
Along with this, for elderly people with limited mobility, meal delivery has been expanded from one meal per day to two meals per day, and side dish delivery has increased from twice a week to four times a week to help maintain their health.
Thirty-nine district-run senior centers are operated as cold wave shelters, allowing elderly residents to avoid the cold without worrying about heating costs. The operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
For crisis households facing economic difficulties that do not meet the criteria of public systems, winter support is provided through the ‘Jungnang Donghaeng Hope Connection’ project. This project connects residents who wish to donate with those in need on a one-to-one basis to provide regular support.
Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “This support measure was prepared to offer even a small help to vulnerable households enduring a harsh cold wave winter,” and added, “We will continue to build and implement more detailed measures to protect and support residents in preparation for ongoing cold waves.”
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