The city of Taichung in Taiwan wants it's homeless people to return to the workforce for the mutual benefit of the economy and themselves. 

Lin Chia-lung, mayor of Taichung city, visited a homeless shelter last week and interacted with many homeless people who told him that they wanted to work to help themselves. Lin has already told the city government to include homeless people into the workforce. 

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"The city is planning to relocate homeless people who are unable to look after themselves to shelters and care facilities while encouraging those who can still make a life for themselves to work in the city's cleaning crew," said Lu Chien-te, director of Taichung City Government's Social Affairs Bureau. 

There are 2,533 homeless people in Taiwan, and nine percent of those can be found in Taichung. Most of them are men aged between 51 to 60 years old and are mostly found in the city's east and central districts. 

An urban farm will also be established so homeless people can grow their own food and sell it in the market. Some of them will also be employed as tour guides. 

Lu said that the bureau is training 15 people to become tour guides around the central and east districts. A two-hour guided tour will cost NT$300 ($9), giving tour guides a monthly salary of NT$20,000 ($598). 

"As the administration of a friendly city, the municipal government should seek to empathize with and help homeless people instead of 'eradicating' them," Lu added. 

"If the city could help homeless people, it would not only allow them to help other people, but might also prevent their personal difficulties from escalating into larger social problems."

TagsTaichung city, homeless people in Taiwan, projects for homeless people, Lin Chia-lung