Utilizing Religious Facility Space for Neighborhood Elderly - Churches for elderly welfare

지역사회 노인을 위한 종교시설의 활용 가능성 - 교회의 노인 복지 활용성을 중심으로

Purpose: Religious facilities often intend to contribute to surrounding neighborhood and local community. While motivated by religious aims, churches can play a role in social welfare for elders in local community. It is obvious that the role will be different from official social welfare services from government and this study aims to examine the possibility of churches in the role of elderly social welfare in terms of space and program. Methods: Researchers interviewed management of four existing welfare programs by churces in order to understand operation of social welfare program for elders by churches. The second step was case study of four churches in Suwon City area. The potential for social welfare space use for elders was examined. Results: Researchers found the role of churches in providing welfare relevant programs and services but its function is not well established yet. Financial support is needed and another support is need from welfare experts. Implications: While churches has not well established the role in elderly welfare in local communities, churches can further develop welfare services utilizing space, manpower, and activity programs.