Local News

Fukuoka Prefecture reported that the there were 354 homeless persons in the prefecture as of Jan. 2013, making for the lowest number on record since surveys began in 2003. This represents a 71.4% drop in homeless persons since the peak of 1,237 in 2009. An official from the Prefectural Public Welfare Section analyzed the situation by saying, “The decline stems from opening more Self-Help Centers and shelters in the city and elsewhere since 2009 and stepping up consultation patrols.” The Prefecture has been conducting monthly surveys since 2007, having been commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in accordance with the Homeless Self-Help Act. This year’s figure was 69 fewer than the previous record low of 423 last January and marked the fourth straight year of declining homeless numbers. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, May 10

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