Visits to single-parent families, elderly living alone, and disability facilities... words of comfort and encouragement delivered
District mayor hears residents' living conditions and hardships firsthand, checks on support services for the holiday
Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok visited residents in need and local welfare facilities on Wednesday, ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
Seo made stops at households and facilities serving single-parent families, Korean War veterans, elderly people living alone, and people with disabilities. Throughout the visits, he devoted considerable time to listening to residents' stories alongside his holiday greetings.
His first stop was a single-parent household in Samjeon-dong, where he played with the children and chatted with them. He also offered words of encouragement to the mother raising two children on her own under difficult circumstances, sharing the warmth of the holiday season.
He then visited the home of a Korean War veteran in Ogeum-dong to check on the resident's health and daily living conditions, and expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifice of youth made in service of the country. The district said it closely monitors the welfare of veterans' families to ensure that those who devoted themselves to the nation are respected in their everyday lives.
At the home of an elderly resident living alone in Macheon-dong, Seo carefully examined the living environment to identify any inconveniences and delivered holiday greetings. The resident expressed gratitude, saying that a customized care service — which sends caregivers to the home — and a monthly living assistance allowance have been a great help.
His final stop was Happy House, a short-term residential facility for people with disabilities in Geoyeo-dong. The facility provides temporary housing for people with disabilities when family care is unavailable. After receiving a briefing on the facility, Seo encouraged the staff for their round-the-clock dedication to caring for residents.
The district has been working to strengthen support for residents in need, including establishing a new living assistance allowance for low-income elderly people living alone and expanding disability benefits.
"Holidays are joyful occasions, but for neighbors living alone, they can be a time of deeper loneliness," Seo said. "We will continue to provide practical support that residents can truly feel, building an inclusive city — a Songpa where no one is left behind."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
