“Hospice and Reception of Asylum Seekers-Hospitality and social support for refugees program of Doctors of the World”

Hospitality and social support for refugees program of Doctors of the World

The Doctors of the World turned the area into housing accommodation and reception of refugees, asylum seekers in a program that aims to meet the basic needs that arise during the first period of their stay in our country. The hospice, which operates since 2001, provides housing, food, primary health care from the Open Polyclinic and preventive care and health education.

The program, housed in the main building of Doctors of the World, has a capacity of 70 people, is group living, 24-hour coverage and provides hospitality from 2 to 12 months. The temporary nature of hospitality, and the encouragement of the dynamic inclusion of guests are designed to prevent institutionalization and passivity phenomena.

The hospice offers beneficiaries a wide range of services such as housing, food, provision of first aid, primary medical care, medication, preventive care and health education, social and legal counseling, psychological support, information on health and hygiene, Greek language and computers, creative activities and participation in recreational activities.

The hostel, from June 2001, has served over 2,500 people of which, most are newcomers to Greece and bear all the legal documents. Since 2008, the Program is funded by the European Refugee Fund and the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity.