Kishiwada City to Launch "Key Deposit Service" at Habu Public Housing on June 16th, Resolving Delays in Welfare Checks

Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, will launch a model project for a "Key Deposit Service" on June 16, Reiwa 8 (2026), to ensure prompt welfare checks in emergencies at Habu Public Housing (Habu Danchi). This initiative is a collaboration between the local community, the Council of Social Welfare, the Community General Support Center, and welfare facilities, operating without government subsidies.

A resident briefing session held on May 24th was attended by 40 residents, with approximately 15 expressing interest in using the service, highlighting the high level of concern regarding local issues.

Scene from the resident briefing session held on May 14th.

[Social Background and Pressing Issues]

In recent years, the importance of welfare checks within communities has increased due to an aging population and a rise in single-person households. However, reports from local Community General Support Centers indicate that compared to detached houses, it is more difficult to ascertain the situation inside apartments and condominiums from the outside. This poses a challenge, as it can take a significant amount of time to confirm welfare in emergencies when keys cannot be opened. Residents have also expressed urgent concerns, stating, "I am worried about security if I install a key box myself. I would like to entrust it if a public institution can hold it."

[Reasons for Starting the Model Project at Habu Public Housing]

Despite the absence of government subsidies for this project, it was possible to launch it as a model initiative at Habu Public Housing for the following reasons:

① Prominence of the Issue: The specific structure of the housing complex made the difficulty of welfare checks particularly pronounced.

② Strong Cooperation from Resident Organizations: Understanding and cooperation were obtained from community-based resident organizations such as the Habu Housing Neighborhood Association and the Habu Housing Citizens' Welfare Commissioners and Child Welfare Commissioners.

③ Social Contribution by Welfare Facilities: The Social Welfare Corporation Kofukuso kindly agreed to cooperate as a "key deposit facility" as part of their social contribution activities.

[The "Invisible Wall" Preventing Rapid Expansion to Other Areas]

While there is considered to be high potential demand for this service in other areas, rapid expansion is currently difficult. The background to this is the serious issue of "a shortage of personnel to lead community development."

Building a robust support system involving diverse stakeholders (residents, support centers, welfare facilities, etc.) like this requires significant time and effort. However, under the current circumstances of insufficient government subsidies, there is a structural problem of not being able to secure enough personnel to coordinate such community collaborations and to promote and support community development.

[Future Development and High Response at Resident Briefing Session]

At the resident briefing session held on Sunday, May 24th, 40 people, including the neighborhood association chairman, participated, and about 15 expressed a desire to use the service.

Application acceptance will be conducted on the following date, and the model project will commence.

First, we will verify the results of this model project and work towards future expansion to other areas, overcoming the barrier of personnel shortages.

Date: Tuesday, June 16, Reiwa 8 (2026), 10:00 AM onwards

Location: Habu Housing Community Center

[Contact Information]

Social Welfare Corporation Kishiwada City Council of Social Welfare

Contact Person: Masanori Okito, Community Welfare Division

Phone Number: 072-430-3366

Email Address: chiiki@Kishiwadashisyakyo.onmicrosoft.com

Website: https://www.syakyo.or.jp/