Community-Centered Housing Support in Pohang
On January 14, 2026, the Pohang branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out a residential environment improvement project for a household affected by hoarding behavior at an apartment complex in Pohang.
The activity was conducted in response to a request from the apartment management and focused on creating safer and more hygienic living conditions while laying the groundwork for continued social and welfare support.
Addressing Hoarding as a Social Care Issue
According to the organizers, hoarding is not simply a matter of personal habit, but a complex issue involving psychological and social factors. Because one-time cleaning alone does not provide a lasting solution, the Pohang branch emphasized the importance of viewing the activity as a starting point for recovery, rather than a one-off intervention.
The volunteer effort aimed to support future connections with counseling and welfare services, highlighting the need for ongoing, coordinated care.
“F5: Refresh” — A People-Focused Volunteer Approach
The activity was organized under the theme “F5: Refresh (Find, Fix, Fill, Fresh, Free)”, which reflects a goal of restoring living spaces while keeping people at the center of the process.
Volunteers focused on improving hygiene and safety by collecting and sorting large amounts of household waste and stored items from underground storage areas. These materials were then transported to an external disposal facility, helping reduce health and fire risks within the residential environment.
Cooperation with the Local Community
An apartment complex representative expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ participation, noting that the request was made on short notice and required coordination. Despite these challenges, a large number of volunteers took time to assist throughout the activity, from supplying necessary materials to completing the cleanup work.
Residents who observed the process also shared words of encouragement, expressing gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts to improve the living environment and support their neighbors.
Volunteer Reflections from the Field
One volunteer shared that the experience highlighted how difficult it can be for individuals affected by hoarding to recover without support from those around them. The volunteer added that they hoped the activity would serve as an opportunity for the resident to begin moving back toward everyday life.
These reflections underscored the organizers’ view that housing support should be accompanied by understanding and long-term care.
Commitment to Continued Support
Pohang branch leader Choi Jeong-hyeon explained that the activity was intended to demonstrate the potential for community-based care, rather than ending with physical cleanup alone. He stated that the branch plans to continue working closely with welfare organizations and local partners to remain present for neighbors who need help.
By addressing both environmental conditions and social connection, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Pohang Branch’s January activity reflects an approach to volunteering that prioritizes sustained care, cooperation, and practical recovery within the community.
Source: https://vo.la/XSeRhLd
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