Bupyeong-gu 'Just Dream' Project Aims to Eliminate Welfare Blind Spots for Foreigners and Those with Mobility Issues

Bupyeong-gu is expected to take steps to eliminate welfare blind spots by expanding the support target of the 'Just Dream' project, which is set to be fully implemented in May, to include foreigners and those with mobility issues.

At the 4th Administrative Welfare Committee meeting of the 274th Bupyeong District Council held on the 2nd, Council Member Yoon Tae-woong (Independent·Sangok 1·2-dong, Cheongcheon 1·2-dong) urged the establishment of effective measures, stating through a report on welfare policies and key tasks that "there are individuals, such as foreign workers, who are excluded from the existing welfare system due to the deterioration of the construction industry and injuries, and they are facing livelihood crises."

The 'Just Dream' project is a welfare model being promoted nationwide under the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Citizens in urgent need of daily necessities can visit the support location to receive items in the first instance, and during a second visit, they can connect to ongoing welfare services through consultation. Currently, Bupyeong-gu is preparing for the official launch of the project in May after pilot operations at the metropolitan centre.

On this day, Yoon pointed out, "It is fortunate that those without a fixed residence or foreigners can apply, but there seem to be no measures for those who cannot visit in person due to mobility issues such as injuries." He particularly emphasised, "If foreign workers are unable to secure even a meal due to nationality issues preventing them from receiving emergency livelihood support, the administration must take proactive measures."

In response, the head of the Bupyeong-gu Welfare Policy Department stated, "The Just Dream project is open to any citizen facing livelihood difficulties, including those without a fixed residence, the homeless, and foreigners," and added, "We will actively consider whether it is possible to deliver items through the 'Ding Dong Delivery Service' currently operated by the food market for those with mobility issues."

Additionally, a district official mentioned, "While there are separate support agencies for foreign workers, we are exploring various support methods, including linking to private resources in crisis situations," and stated, "We will build a comprehensive welfare network by reflecting the blind spot cases raised by Council Member Yoon in the project planning process."

Council Member Yoon urged, "Please ensure that not a single resident suffers from hunger through on-site consultations at the district administrative welfare centre and inter-departmental cooperation."