Title: Decreasing Support for Briquettes Leaves Energy Poor Homes in Desperate Need
Introduction
There is a pressing concern regarding the significant drop in support for briquettes, which has left around 70,000 energy poor homes across the country struggling to heat their residences. The decline in support, which was already evident prior to winter, has become even more alarming this year. Small villages, in particular, are in desperate need of assistance.
The Plight of Energy Poor Homes
Reporter Hwang Bo Hye-kyung had the opportunity to visit one such village and witness the dire conditions firsthand. Volunteers, loaded with briquettes weighing at 3.65kg per sheet, tirelessly climb steep hills to distribute the much-needed energy source. As the house’s 200 coal bricks pile up on the wall, warmth spreads across the faces of the grateful elderly residents. The volunteers aim to distribute a total of 2,400 briquettes today, which may seem like a substantial number at first. However, this amount is what 12 households would typically consume within a month.
Decreasing Support and Rising Demand
Briquettes, being an affordable energy option, have been in high demand among vulnerable groups. However, due to rising heating costs, the support for briquettes continues to decrease. Across the country, approximately 74,000 homes rely on briquettes, with a staggering requirement of 3 million briquettes to endure the winter. Unfortunately, this year’s distribution fell significantly short, with only 110,000 briquettes provided, accounting for a mere 4% of the target amount. This represents a reduction of over 30% compared to the same period last year. The decline in support can be attributed to factors such as the ongoing impact of COVID-19, high inflation rates, and the prevailing economic downturn. Organizations supporting these initiatives are deeply concerned.
Plight of Small Villages
Even small villages, such as the “Warmth Warehouse” near Seoul Station, are grappling with the scarcity of support. This facility, established last August, operates on the basis that residents receive 100,000 free points monthly, which can be utilized to purchase essential items. However, only two companies regularly sponsor products, resulting in empty shelves and a lack of options for residents relying on the facility. The dire situation is felt by the 700 residents of this village, with approximately 300 individuals accessing the facility daily. The limited sponsorship leaves them in an extremely precarious position.
A Harsh Winter Ahead
Vulnerable groups, already burdened by high inflation and surging oil prices, face an even tougher winter ahead. The scarcity of support for briquettes and essential supplies compounds their struggles. As we prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, it is crucial that efforts are made to address the needs of these energy poor homes and extend assistance where it is most needed.
Conclusion
The decreasing support for briquettes has left thousands of energy poor homes across the country vulnerable in the face of a harsh winter. Small villages, in particular, are pleading for help as they attempt to cope with the scarcity of essential supplies. The onus is on organizations and communities to rally together and provide the necessary support to ensure the well-being and warmth of those who are most in need.
By Hwang Bo Hye-kyung, YTN Reporter
[앵커]
There are around 70,000 energy poor homes across the country that heat with coal.
I am very concerned that briquette support, which was already declining before winter, has dropped significantly this year.
Residents of small villages also desperately need help.
Reporter Hwang Bo Hye-kyung visited in person.
[기자]
3.65kg per sheet.
Volunteers carrying briquettes on their backs climb a steep hill.
“There are 199, 200 tickets already.”
As the house’s 200 coal bricks pile up on the wall, warmth spreads to the faces of the elderly.
[이상봉 / 서울 정릉동 : 연탄 2백 장을 이렇게 줘서 고맙고, 마음이 흐뭇해요. 실내 난로에 쓰는 거예요.]
A total of 2,400 briquettes will be distributed by volunteers today.
It may seem like a lot at first, but it is an amount that 12 households would use in about a month.
Due to rising heating costs, demand for briquettes from vulnerable groups continues to be energy, but support is decreasing.
Around 74,000 homes use briquettes across the country, and 3 million briquettes are needed to survive the winter.
However, this year, 110,000 briquettes were given, which is 4% of the target amount.
There was a reduction of more than 30% compared to the same period last year.
Patronage, which was already on the decline due to COVID-19, high inflation, and the economic downturn, has fallen even further, and sponsoring organizations are distraught.
[허기복 / 밥상공동체복지재단 연탄은행 대표 : (한 장에) 천 원을 줘도 고지대 달동네 같은 경우는 배달이 안 되는 상태예요. 후원과 봉사가 갈수록 줄어서 (목표량) 300만 장에 턱없이 부족한 상태입니다.]
Even small villages are in dire need of help.
‘Warmth Warehouse’ opened last August in a small room near Seoul Station.
This is a space where jjokbang residents receive 100,000 free points every month and buy daily necessities that match the points.
[김소희 / 서울 후암동 쪽방 주민 : 음료수, 화장지, 햄 이런 거 사러 여기 옵니다. 얼마나 감사한지 몰라요.]
However, only two companies regularly sponsored products, and the shelves were empty.
[유호연 / 서울역 쪽방 상담소 소장 : 온기 창고를 이용하는 쪽방촌 주민들은 7백 명 정도, 하루 이용객은 3백 명 정도 됩니다. 정기적으로 후원하는 곳은 두 군데밖에 없어서 턱없이 부족한 상태여서….]
Vulnerable groups facing high inflation and high oil prices face an even tougher winter.
This is YTN’s Hwang Bo Hye-kyung.
Photographer: Lee Soo-yeon
Graphics: Jinho Kim
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