Shandong is improving services to the province’s poor and homeless by creating a partnership of official organizations of civil administration, public security, city administration and law enforcement, health, traffic management and women’s groups.

Over the past five years, the province has helped 191,400 homeless people, including 44,500 women and 20,700 minors. Of the 191,400, 28,200 are older than 60, and 14,200 are physically or mentally ill, according to Wang Jiandong, deputy head of the Shandong civil administration.

Wang said medical care and other assistance such as psychological counseling are also provided to them.

Since 2008, Shandong has spent 5 million yuan annually to send poor and homeless people back to their hometown. The province has resettled 29,800 homeless people to 30 provinces.

For underage poor and homeless people, assistance centers have been built in every Shandong province city. Currently, 19 centers are under operation, providing beds and basic living necessities for the young people. Three more assistance centers are under construction.

By Zhao Ruixue (China Daily Shandong Bureau)

Editor: Li Jing