Dong-gu, Gwangju Jeonnam Supports Shantytown Cooling Facilities with Love for Hometown Donations

84 Million Won Allocated to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

and Alleviate Summer Hardships

As the heatwave continues day after day, concerns are growing over the health and safety of residents in shantytowns lacking adequate air conditioning. Amidst this, Dong-gu, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City, has launched a project to improve the living conditions of residents in such areas by utilizing donations from the Love for Hometown initiative, actively responding to the ongoing heatwave.

Support for Gosiwon Residents with Hyangsa Love Donation. Provided by Dong-gu

According to Dong-gu on July 15, the district carried out designated fundraising for the Love for Hometown Fund from August 1 to December 31 last year to support improvements to the living conditions of energy-vulnerable households. As a result, a total of 777 million won was raised, of which 84 million won was allocated to projects aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and alleviating the inconvenience of summer living for shantytown residents lacking air conditioning.

Dong-gu replaced old air conditioners and refrigerators for 152 people living in 40 shantytown buildings, including motels and inns, in the Daein-dong and Gyerim-dong areas. After completing the installation of 45 air conditioners last June, the district finished installing 107 refrigerators as of July 7, ensuring that vulnerable residents can spend the summer in a safer and more comfortable environment.

This project is significant not only because it protects the health and safety of shantytown residents vulnerable to extreme heat, but also because it is a closely tailored welfare initiative aimed at guaranteeing a minimum standard of living. By providing the essential support residents actually need, the project is expected to help create a safer and more comfortable living environment.

The Love for Hometown donations are not limited to housing improvement projects. They are also used for a variety of welfare projects intended to help shantytown residents restore their daily lives and build social networks, such as the “Hearty Meal” program offered by the Deullangnallang Community Center, bringing heartwarming change to the local community. The donors’ generosity circulates back to support neighbors in need, acting as a catalyst for virtuous-cycle welfare.

On July 15, Im Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, visited the shantytown in Daein-dong to personally inspect the air conditioners and refrigerators installed with the Love for Hometown Fund, and to check on the living conditions of the residents. He then visited the Deullangnallang Community Center, expressed his gratitude to supporters, and held a tea session with community members to listen to their feedback, continuing his resident-focused on-site administration.

Dong-gu plans to use this latest housing improvement project as a stepping stone to expand not only its heatwave response but also its tailored support to improve the quality of life for shantytown residents. This year, the district continues to operate the Blue Counseling Center and Deullangnallang Community Center, and is pursuing a range of support projects spanning housing, health, care, and independence, including the Onjeong Kitchen, Good Sharing Voucher, Climate Shelter, Temple Stay, and On Dream Food Pantry. Going forward, Dong-gu will further strengthen support for vulnerable groups through the extended operation of heat shelters, targeted disinfection per household, dental care services, and programs to enhance self-reliance.

Mayor Im Taek said, “The Love for Hometown donation system is not just a means of raising funds, but a system where a love for the community translates into welfare that changes residents’ lives. We will continue to actively use the Love for Hometown Fund for a variety of projects that residents can directly experience, ensuring that the precious intentions of the donors lead to improved safety and quality of life for those vulnerable to extreme heat.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.