A Study on the Effects of COVID-19 on the Homeless and Jjok-Bang Dwellers, and Related Support Policies

Abstract

The impact of COVID-19 has gone beyond human casualties and is causing damage to the economy. People are voicing their concern that those who are socially vulnerable could be more exposed to and suffer greater damage from COVID-19. Under such circumstances, a systematic survey of the homeless and Jjok-Bang(the slice room) dwellers is yet to be carried out. This study therefore aims to record and analyze the effect that COVID-19 has had on the homeless and the Jjok-Bang dwellers, and changes to the related policies and services as well as their current status. The subjects of this study are “the homeless etc.” who are specified in the “Act on Support for Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Homeless, etc.” and include the homeless on the streets, the homeless who stay at facilities, and the Jjok-Bang dwellers. The survey methods included a questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews with homeless people and the Jjok-Bang dwellers, and a web-based questionnaire survey of people who work for the facilities for the homeless. In addition, focus group interviews and a literature review were also conducted. Based on the results of the status survey, the study offers directives for infectious disease responses and homeless support policies, and suggests plans to improve facilities and services.