SUWON — Suwon will work with the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) to create a housing base that helps people with disabilities live independently in the community.
The two sides signed an agreement on the city's independent-living housing program for people with disabilities at city hall on the 21st and agreed to cooperate on the stable supply and operation of such homes, the city said on the 22nd.
The homes are intended for people with disabilities who live in residential facilities or who want to live independently in the community. Residents have their own living space and also receive support services tailored to their individual circumstances.
Suwon plans to provide help with daily living, health management, links to welfare services and support for taking part in social activities so that residents can settle into the community.
The city is also preparing a one-stop support system that connects housing, welfare and employment services, in line with a law on supporting community-based independent living and housing transitions for people with disabilities that takes effect on March 19, 2027.
To that end, the city has commissioned an academic study on how to build such a support system. Based on the findings, it plans to design a tailored support model that reflects local conditions and the varied needs of people with disabilities seeking to live on their own.
Under the agreement, Suwon will handle the program overall, including selecting residents and linking them to individual support services. LH will supply the units, drawing on purchased rental housing and other stock. The two will begin with 12 units in 2027 and expand the supply over time.
Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-joon, Kwon Un-hyeok, head of LH's Southern Gyeonggi Regional Office, and Lee Jong-gap, president of the Suwon Federation of Welfare Organizations for the Disabled, attended the signing ceremony.
"We will cooperate so that Suwon's model for independent-living housing for people with disabilities can spread nationwide," Kwon said.
"I hope this agreement becomes an occasion to raise disability welfare to a higher level," Lee said. "We will provide support that offers real help to people with disabilities who want to live independently."