Tianjin adds detail on aid to homeless

Tianjin has announced in more detail how to help homeless people in the city who have recently gained a permanent resident permit, or hukou.

According to a newsletter from the Tianjin Civil Affairs Bureau, eligible people will get social insurance, and assistance that is given to orphans, the disabled or the very poor in Tianjin.

"We will gradually admit them to welfare institutions and hospitals, particularly children, the elderly or disabled, to give them more professional care," a bureau spokesman said.

"Homeless people in the city are the most difficult, fragile group living on edge of the whole society, and they are in urgent need of being protected by the government. Our aim is to launch the campaign this year."

The newsletter followed an announcement on Oct 13 that the city issued resident permits to 193 homeless people living in the city to bring them into the social care system. The announcement triggered nationwide attention.

Around 600 homeless people have mental issues or suffer from Alzheimer's disease, according to the city.

Tianjin was the first city to announce the measures in response to an announcement by the Ministry of Civil Affairs in March of the start of a campaign to improve support for the homeless.

In May, 11 ministries announced a nationwide campaign to upgrade the country’s support for the homeless and to protect their legal rights.

Apart from the hukou and social care system, the efforts include upgrading care in rescue stations and elderly care services, as well as setting up a third party to supervise relief efforts.