Survive the winter: homeless people are given bags with things and essentials

The authorities of Athens began distributing packages with winter clothes to the city’s homeless.

The Municipality of Athens, through the Reception and Solidarity Center (KYADA) and in cooperation with EATA, has launched a massive action to support people living on the street and protect them from harsh weather conditions.

The initiative runs in parallel with efforts to get the homeless off the street and into new and safe living structures.

Teams of Street Work Volunteers from KYADA distributed packages to the homeless, which included jackets, sleeping bags, windproof blankets, waterproof pants, thermoses, flashlights and whistles.

This action was planned in cooperation with the open social network of the Tourism Development and Promotion Company of the Municipality of Athens (ETA) and with the participation of the Street Work groups, who, using their experience, formed the contents of the “gift” packages based on the real needs of the homeless.

In a statement, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis stressed: “They may live on the street, but they are not alone.. KYADA’s Street Work teams are always “close” to our homeless fellow citizens. Volunteers walk around the city handing out essentials and sharing humanity. The bags contain warm clothes necessary for people to be able to warm themselves from the cold in winter. With an interest in every personal story, we try to safely accommodate every homeless of Athens in the new structures of the municipality. However, the concern does not end there. We will continue until no one is left unprotected, forgotten, abandoned! ”, – concluded the mayor of Athens.

For her part, Alexia Evert, President of the Athens Municipality Tourism Development and Promotion Company, said: “Through the Open Social Network program, we are collaborating with social welfare institutions and structures to create a strong network of solidarity and protect our vulnerable fellow citizens.”

KYADA President Melina Daskalaki attended the distribution of backpacks along with Street Work groups and ETA Managing Director Epaminondas Mousios. In a statement, Ms. Daskalaki said: “This action, demonstrating constant vigilance and commitment to providing the necessary assistance to the homeless, represents an initiative with significant social impact. Aid provides better living conditions for people stranded on the street. We declare that we are firmly on their side so that this group of citizens, with the help of our support, can improve their lives.” Distribution will continue over the next few days to ensure all backpacks serve their purpose and find the right recipient.

The efforts of the Municipality of Athens to ensure that no one is left alone, without social protection, has expanded over the past three years. During the pandemic, the municipality of Athens created a one-stop center for the homeless, a state-of-the-art 24-hour facility capable of accommodating up to 400 people in need of a “roof over their heads”. The multifunctional center has a hostel and a day center. At the same time, citizens in need are provided with accommodation, food, medical care and psychological support.

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