A work program for the homeless has provided jobs to 200 in the past six years, the Seoul city government announced on December 29. (Image: Seoul City Government)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Korea Bizwire) – A work program for the homeless has provided jobs to 200 in the past six years, the Seoul city government announced on December 29.
Every six months, 20 individuals wishing to become economically self-reliant are selected and given jobs as public janitors. While employed, they are guaranteed monthly rent, training and counseling.
A city official said, “Among the homeless are individuals who want to be able to stand on their own feet, but they have difficulty finding a job due to the negative perceptions the general public hold regarding their employment.”
A city official said, “Among the homeless are individuals who want to be able to stand on their own feet, but they have difficulty finding a job due to the negative perceptions the general public hold regarding their employment.” (Image: Seoul City Government)
Each hire receives 250,000 won per month to spend as rent.
Korail, South Korean’s national railroad operator, pays 530,000 won including meal expenses for each person to sweep and otherwise clean up the public square in front of Seoul Station. Work schedules consist of three hours per day, 20 days a month.
Thanks to its efforts to aid the homeless, the city stated that the number of people staying at Seoul Station dropped from 204 in 2011 to 125 this year. (Image: Yonhap)
Thanks to its efforts to aid the homeless, the city stated that the number of people staying at Seoul Station dropped from 204 in 2011 to 125 this year.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
