Taichung Social Affairs helps socially neglected young man

台中市社會局幫助被社會忽視的年輕人

21-year-old with no household registration secluded for 10 years before becoming homeless


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police in Taichung discovered a 21-year-old homeless man with no household registration or identifying documents, in what authorities called an alarming case of social neglect.

In February, after an argument with his father, the man began living on the streets; UDN reported he had been confined to a rental apartment by his parent for nearly a decade.

The young man, who identified himself only by the surname Huang (黃), was found near a recycling yard in Taichung’s Beitun District by a local borough chief in early May, LTN reported. The chief said Huang had received no formal education and was almost completely illiterate.

Since February, Huang has been collecting recyclable materials to earn money and feeding himself on food given by others or simple instant meals from convenience stores, per CNA. After realizing his dire situation, the borough chief treated him to a restaurant meal and was surprised to learn he had never eaten in one before.

Officials from the Social Services Bureau were dispatched to investigate and assist the destitute young man. Some reports described his mental capacity as similar to a preschooler, unable to properly express his emotions.

Due to his limited verbal ability and lack of documents, many details remain unclear; he also reportedly spoke with a foreign accent and is assumed to be the child of a foreign worker in Taiwan.

In the short term, the city will provide him with housing and meals, expedite his household registration and assist him in finding stable employment.

After the borough chief’s account was shared on social media, more than 200 concerned citizens formed an online support group and collected clothing, food and even a smartphone to aid Huang moving forward, LTN reported.