A Step Forward Open Accommodation Center aims to meet the housing needs of women who are in precarious conditions and/or homeless and who are at higher risk of exploitation, abuse and marginalization, with emphasis on vulnerable asylum seekers. The operation of A Step Forward is continuous and uninterrupted (24 hours a day). This is in order to provide quality living conditions and support services in a comprehensive manner and on a daily basis.
The facility is networked with all the public and social services of Athens. Based on the needs of the beneficiaries, the cooperation with the National Centre for Social Solidarity, the relevant Public Prosecution Authorities, the Reception and Solidarity Center of the Municipality of Athens, the Social Solidarity Directorate of the Municipality of Athens is activated. Within the existing housing framework, the handling of their pending administrative and social orientation issues is also being processed. At the same time, the aim is to prepare the beneficiaries’ integration into society more smoothly and effectively, within an integrated framework of actions (for example, vocational orientation and social counselling sessions).
Therefore, the hosted women and their children, receive all the necessary services according to the specific needs in order to make the most of their stay at the Open Accommodation Center. The maximum capacity is 44 individual beneficiaries.
Beneficiary population
Adult vulnerable women asylum seekers and refugees, single and single mothers with children (with a maximum age limit of 14 years for boys) are eligible for the project. The vulnerability assessment is based on social and economic criteria and an individual interview.
Provided Services
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Protection and safe housing
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Provision of basic goods and food
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Providing social/support services and improving the quality of life of women seeking asylum in Greece and their children
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Health care services
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Providing counselling related to social and psychological issues
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Strengthening the socialisation and integration of beneficiaries
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Psychological support
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Legal Information
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Facilitating access to public services
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Educational programs and creative activities
