Gumi Takes Responsibility for Disabled Care... Construction of Short-Term Residential Facility Begins in Earnest

Reducing the Burden on Families of People with Disabilities... New Emergency Care Facility Planned

1.7 Billion Won Invested, Construction to Begin in 2025 and Finish in 2026

"Taking care of a child with a disability is not an easy task. There are times when I urgently need help, and it would be nice to have a place to turn to in those moments," shared one parent of a child with a disability.

In response to this need, the city of Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, is moving forward with the establishment of a 'short-term residential facility for people with disabilities' to enhance welfare for people with disabilities and fulfill its social responsibilities.

One existing short-term residence facility (Dogae-myeon).

This project marks an important first step in alleviating the difficulties faced by people with disabilities and their families, as well as expanding the foundation for disability welfare.

The short-term residential facility will provide emergency care and daily support for families caring for individuals with severe or developmental disabilities. Reflecting requests from families for short-term respite since 2022, this project has gained urgency considering that 32.15% of Gumi's 17,264 registered people with disabilities are classified as having severe or developmental disabilities. Currently, there is only one such facility in operation, making expansion a pressing need.

In April of this year, the city applied for the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s new construction project for residential facilities for people with disabilities and was finally selected at the end of September. The new facility is scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and be completed in 2026, utilizing city-owned land in Wonpyeong-dong. With a total budget of 1.7 billion KRW, the facility will cover a total area of 812 square meters, with a building size of 300 square meters.

The operating corporation will be selected through a public recruitment process, and the facility will accommodate up to 10 users and employ 7 staff members. The project was included in the government plan due to the city’s strong commitment and will be fully implemented after passing the National Assembly.

The new short-term residential facility is designed not only to expand available space but also to strengthen emergency care functions, ensuring that families of people with disabilities can receive help when they need it most. Its central urban location also improves accessibility and convenience.

Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "We will do our utmost to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families through close cooperation with the Gumi City Council," adding, "We will continue our efforts to raise awareness of disabilities and enhance the sense of welfare among citizens."