ATHENS – "No citizen should feel alone. We are financing the operation of 13 facilities to provide housing, health care and food to the homeless in Attica, who need our support now, more than ever," Attica governor Giorgos Patoulis said on Thursday.

The action, with a budget of 14.21 million euros from the Attica Regional Development Plan, concerns 13 homeless shelters, which include seven open day centres and six dormitories. The funds will support the new facilities located in the municipalities of Athens, Piraeus, Kallithea, Aspropyrgos and Rentis as well as the existing ones.

The open day centres for the homeless provide a range of services, such as psychosocial support, primary health care, individual care and hygiene, interconnection with housing and employment rehabilitation services, nutrition and counselling. At the same time, the dormitories are being strengthened to provide more services.

"At a time when we are all asked to stay home, our thoughts are with those who have neither care nor shelter. The Attica Region is committed to staying on the side of the homeless," Patoulis stated. As he noted, he supports the homeless with the financing of the operation of 13 facilities, ensuring the continuation of their operation until June 30, 2023.

Finally, he reiterated his commitment that "no one in Attica will be left alone and helpless. We always stand by our fellow human beings, especially in the midst of the new conditions caused by the coronavirus epidemic."