Increased opportunities for integration and social inclusion for vulnerable individuals

With the support of the EEA Grants, SolidarityNow has continued and strengthened the provision of all the pro bono services at the Athens Solidarity Center. The general objective of the project is to provide for two years (2019-2021), holistic support to 10,000 people individuals at risk of social marginalization and exclusion and pave the way towards their empowerment and self-reliance.

The Athens Solidarity Center, which opened in December 2014, is an example of optimal cooperation between a public body (Municipality of Athens) and local civil society. The Center follows an “open door” policy, welcoming all people indiscriminately – the only criterion is their vulnerability.

Through the holistic approach, the ASC provides a comprehensive package of complementary services provided in the Center: a) social service, b) psychological support – counseling, c) legal aid, d) accounting service, e) employability service, f) Child Center (operated by the “Network for Children’s Rights”).

As part of the project and in order to ensure and maintain the provision of high-quality services, the Athens Solidarity Center develops a solid network of partnerships with public and private institutions, as well as other NGOs, extending and complementing the services and support, provided by the Center directly. Partnerships enhance the Center’s capacity to effectively respond to the needs of vulnerable populations and to provide practical solutions as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Athens Solidarity Center also hosts an office of the Asylum Service for the registration of vulnerable people, which operates independently.

To date, the Athens Solidarity Center’s beneficiaries exceed 73,000.