the first group of four shelters built specifically for vagrants
and beggars in beijing went into operation on friday. this marks the
beginning of a government program to help the city's homeless. a set
of new regulations to guarantee basic living conditions for china's
urban homeless also went into effect the same day.
the shelters will help to serve homeless people who cannot afford
food or housing, and who do not have relatives to help them. the shelters
are also intended for those who do not qualify for urban or rural
resident allowances. the homeless people will be able to stay at the
shelters for no longer than 10 days. the shelters will provide food,
housing and medical treatment, and help the residents to contact their
relatives. but those who have made a career of begging and show no
inclination of taking up regular employment will not be eligible to
receive assistance.
