How to eat well and live well in community

- Please introduce yourself.

I'm Han Seung-min from Housing unit. After my discharge from the hospital 16 years ago, I registered at Taihwa Fountain House. I had lived in a nesting house for a year, and I was to secure a permanent rental apartment using the 5 million won I had saved from my basic living expenses over the course of a year and a half. It has been 11 years since I registered at Taihwa Fountain House, and I have been residing in the permanent rental apartment for 5 years.

 

- The reason why he wants to share the story

I think that it is crucial to put effort into self-learning and developing a strong inner foundation rather than relying solely on others to overcome challenges. Drawing from my own experiences, I would like to share the story of how cultivating self-reliance has brought me happiness.

 

- Joyful changes after meeting Taiwha Fountain House

After being discharged from the hospital, I resided in a residential facility in Yeongdeungpo for five years. However, since the maximum stay was limited to five years, I had to find a place to live on my own. It was during this time that a staff member from Taiwha Fountain House visited me and expressed concern about my future housing situation. The decision to register with Taiwha Fountain House brought about significant changes in my life.

In the past, I struggled with debt and had difficulty saving money due to my drinking habits and poor money management skills. However, after joining Taiwha Fountain House, I could get a job and start to save money. Initially, I had worries about living alone, but through the efforts of Taiwha Fountain House, including searching for a house together and learning essential life skills like cooking, I gained the confidence to embrace independent living.

Now, I live a fulfilling life on my own, and my daily routines bring me joy. I feel that I have become a better person compared to the past, and I am grateful for the positive changes I have experienced. (laughs)

 

- The secret of maintaining independence

I think that the key to maintaining independence is taking care of oneself by cooking, cleaning, and consistently managing one's daily routines. During my days off, I enjoy activities such as bowling, walking, and frequently visiting karaoke to relieve stress. For those who aspire to become self-reliant, it is important to actively seek for information about housing and ask for help. Although you may feel fearful when facing challenges alone, having the support of others gives you the courage to move forward.

 

- Life doing what I like

After achieving independence, I realized that I had financial limitations, so I made the decision to look for a job. I started by working as a dishwasher and a street cleaner, and I have been employed at the employment place for four years now. Every day when I go to work, I feel a sense of excitement, as if I'm going on a trip. I'm the person who can't stand being idle, so it feels good to stay busy cleaning and receive compliments from my colleagues. At Taiwha Fountain House, I take on the role of a "cleaning captain," responsible for cleaning smoking rooms and terraces. I genuinely enjoy cleaning from the moment when I get to Taiwha Fountain House.

 

- What is your dream-life?

I am 58 years old now, and even though work can be challenging at times, I wish to maintain the same level of well-being. I am currently living a good life, but I also want to meet a girlfriend and share a life together with her.