Yeongdeungpo District Presents First Resident Registration Card to 65-Year-Old Homeless Patient

"From a Life of Nonexistence
to Becoming a Member of Society"

Thanks to the meticulous administrative support of Yeongdeungpo District in Seoul (Mayor Cho Hokwon), a homeless patient who had lived without an official identity for many years was able to register as a resident for the first time at the age of 65 and receive a resident registration card bearing his own name.

Cho Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District Office. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District Office.

The term "homeless patient" refers to an emergency patient who does not have a fixed residence, has no guardian or family, and whose identity cannot be verified. Such individuals are often transported to hospitals by administrative agencies such as police stations or fire departments.

Mr. A (65) was found collapsed on the streets of Yeongdeungpo District in 2020 and, after receiving emergency treatment, was transferred to a nursing hospital in Namdong District, Incheon. Without resident registration, he had been unable to open a bank account, receive medical care, vote, or seek employment-basic activities necessary for social participation.

In response, the Welfare Division of the Yeongdeungpo District Office visited the hospital multiple times to conduct fact-finding investigations, including fingerprint collection and identity verification, and provided ongoing counseling. The office also worked closely with the Namdong District Community Center in Incheon to facilitate the resident registration process, while simultaneously supporting welfare services such as applying for basic livelihood security benefits, thus laying the foundation for his reintegration into society.

As a result, in August, Mr. A personally visited the community center, completed his resident registration, and received his very first resident registration card in 65 years. He expressed his gratitude by saying, "I hope to have diverse experiences in society once my health recovers. I never imagined I would have a bank account in my own name, and I am deeply thankful for all the help I have received."

This year, Yeongdeungpo District has provided tailored administrative support-including fact-finding investigations, resident registration, and applications for basic livelihood security and medical benefits-for a total of four homeless patients, including Mr. A, as part of its ongoing efforts to address welfare blind spots.

Cho Hokwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, "Resident registration is the first step toward guaranteeing basic rights as a member of society, and I sincerely encourage this courageous step forward. We will continue to carefully look after neighbors in welfare blind spots and pursue a warm and inclusive welfare administration where no one is left behind."