FILOXENIO
47
THESSALONIKI
Decent and safe accommodation, as well as access to
basic services, is considered as something normal by
many, but for others it is a luxury. Unemployment, the
particularly difficult socio-economic situation in the coun-
try, the lack of family and social environment, poor indi-
vidual choices and unforeseeable calamities are some of
the factors that have deprived a large number of people
of a decent life.
As a result, the number of people living in the streets in
the city of Thessaloniki has surged in the last 3-4 years.
In response, an interdisciplinary team of members of the
organization (social scientists, psychologists, public re-
lations executives, lawyers, nurses, cultural mediators,
etc.) has been trained to implement investigative action,
recording the population and its needs and create action
plans.
Within the framework of the investigation, through inter-
ventions in the streets/streetwork, PRAKSIS executives
and volunteers have:
•
Held meetings with the city’s organizations and insti-
tutions that focus on people living in the streets.
•
Recorded the needs of the target groups.
•
Provided information verbally, along with written ma-
terials for the services, regarding where people can
go to cover their basic needs.
•
Distributed sleeping bags, clothing and footwear to
needy people on the street.
The main objective of the project was to
develop a set of actions that will ensure
the target group’s needs (providing basic
items, night accommodation, personal hy-
giene, psychosocial support and medical
care).
To meet these needs, between February and the end of
May of 2013, a space for the night stay of the popula-
tion operated voluntarily and as a pilot program (in col-
laboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the NGO
Arsis, OKANA and PRAKSIS), with nursing services and
psychosocial support, as well as provision of the basic
needs.
PRAKSIS - ANNUAL REPORT OF ACTIONS 2013
WE ADD THE SIGNIFICANT ‘A’ IN ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΣ
DIGNITY | INDEPENDENCE | SELF SUFFICIENCY | SELF RESPECT
