The Independent Living Preparation Housing project supports people with mental disorders who wish to live independently but face unstable housing and lack strong economic or social support systems. The project, which provides two years of support for independent living preparation, is being promoted in cooperation with Incheon Housing Corporation (IH) and the Incheon Metropolitan Mental Health Welfare Center.
Last year, the city established the institutional basis for housing support by enacting the 'Ordinance on Support and Promotion of Independence for People with Mental Disorders.' Incheon City plans to complete contracts for four purchased rental housing units in cooperation with Incheon Housing Corporation within this month.
Each resident will be provided with a fully furnished single-room living space (including home appliances, furniture, and daily necessities), and both the rental deposit and monthly rent will be covered. However, residents will be responsible for their own utility and maintenance fees. Before moving in, residents will receive support for defect inspection and cleaning. After moving in, customized independent living support services will be provided through collaboration between the Basic Mental Health Welfare Center, mental rehabilitation facilities, and other organizations.
Eligible applicants are individuals aged 19 or older but under 70, residing in Incheon, who are classified as having a mental disorder under Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Mental Health Welfare Act, and who have been recommended by the Basic Mental Health Welfare Center, a mental rehabilitation facility, or a psychiatric medical institution.
The city will comprehensively evaluate the need for independent living support services and the applicant's willingness to live independently through a three-stage selection process: first, a document review; second, an on-site visit; and third, a final evaluation. Four residents will be selected, and applications will be accepted until May 28, 2025.
Starting with this year's pilot project, Incheon City plans to increase the number of independent living support housing units by four each year, aiming to supply a total of 20 units by 2029.
An official from Incheon City stated, "The Independent Living Preparation Housing will serve as a solid stepping stone for complete independence and self-reliant living after leaving the facility, going beyond simply providing a place to stay. We will establish a 24-hour crisis support system to respond immediately to psychiatric emergencies and continue to provide case management after residents leave, helping them settle into the community."
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