#Japan #temporary housing #Minato #Minato City #Kumamoto Earthquake

Providing Shelter for Kumamoto Earthquake Victims in Minato City

In response to the devastating Kumamoto earthquake that struck on July 28, 2023, the Minato City government has taken significant steps to support the affected families. The local government announced that it would offer temporary housing specifically designated for residents impacted by this disaster. Here are the key details of the initiative:

Offered Housing

Minato City is providing two temporary residential units located at the City Heights Takanawa, situated at 1-16-25 Takanawa, Minato. Both units are designed to accommodate family households and feature a 2LDK layout, providing sufficient space for families to settle in amidst the ongoing recovery efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this assistance, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• - You must be part of a household with two or more members.
• - Your household must be among those living in municipalities where the Disaster Relief Act has been enacted due to the Kumamoto earthquake, and you must have suffered significant property damages that make continued residence in your home impractical. Generally, only households with severe damage categorized as half-ruined or more will be eligible.

Conditions of Provision

The housing assistance has a defined timeframe and conditions:

• - The initial provision period is set for three months, with the possibility of extending it for up to one year.
• - Both the residential rent and communal costs will be waived, offering significant relief to families during this recovery phase.
• - However, utility expenses, moving costs, and other related expenses will need to be borne by the residents themselves.
• - Each unit will come furnished with essential items, including a stove, lighting, refrigerator, washing machine, television, air conditioner, microwave, bedding, curtains, a table, and chairs, ensuring that families have a comfortable living environment.

Application Documentation

Interested individuals must submit several documents as part of the application process:

• - An application form
• - Proof of identity
• - A disaster certificate or equivalent documentation that verifies the applicant's circumstances

Note that if some documents cannot be readily produced, applicants will have a chance to submit them later in the process.

Application Period

The application window will open on August 21, 2023, and close on August 25, 2023. During this period, applications can be submitted through Minato City's official website or via phone.

Online Application Link

For online applications, please visit: Online Application Form
(Each household is permitted to apply for one unit, and preferences for specific units cannot be accommodated.)
If more applications are received than available units, a lottery system will be implemented.
Families with relatives or acquaintances residing within Tokyo's 23 wards will be given priority for housing allocation in this program.

Lottery and Notification

The lottery for the housing placements will occur on August 27, 2023, at 15:00 in the 6th-floor conference room of the Minato City Hall (open to the public). The results will be announced the same day at 17:00 on the city’s website, and successful candidates will receive a phone call from city officials regarding their housing status.

Contact for Applications

For further inquiries, applicants can reach the Housing Management Division of the Urban Development Support Department at the following:

• - Telephone: 03-3578-2267 to 2269
• - Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00

Move-In Arrangements

Details regarding individual move-in readiness will be discussed on a case-by-case basis, ensuring families receive the support they need during this critical time.

Through this initiative, Minato City is making a dedicated effort to help families rebuild their lives following a significant disaster. The city aims to foster a sense of community and provide a helping hand during the recovery process.