Purpose:  The purpose of these structures is to provide reception, daily living care, immediate health assistance, and psychosocial support to individuals and families facing homelessness or precarious housing situations. Acting as temporary accommodations, these facilities cater to those living in unsuitable or unsafe housing conditions, often lacking basic survival needs and lacking a supportive framework. The overarching goal is to support their reintegration efforts, ensuring long-term integration and, when possible, professional integration, thus empowering them to achieve stability and independence in the future.

Stimulus/Rationale:  The stimulus/rationale behind establishing the Open Day Centre and Hosting Unit in the Municipality of Patras is to address the urgent needs of homeless migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, Roma people, and the local population facing housing instability. These facilities serve as crucial reference points, offering a combination of shelter, nursery, counselling, and networking services. The aim is to provide a safe and dignified space with fully furnished bedrooms, bathrooms, and access to hygiene facilities, along with counselling sessions to enhance self-confidence and prepare beneficiaries for the job market. The facilities also prioritize health issues by raising awareness about hygiene, conducting health checks, and collaborating with public hospitals and clinics. Ultimately, the goal is to empower beneficiaries to improve their quality of life, find stable housing, and enter the labour market, fostering a path towards self-sufficiency.

Process: The process of addressing the needs of homeless people in the Municipality of Patras involves a multi-faceted approach, comprising the Open Day Centre, the Dormitory, and external teams working in cooperation with volunteers and other organisations. The Open Day Centre acts as an accessible hub, providing direct psychosocial support services to homeless individuals. On the other hand, the Dormitory serves as an overnight accommodation facility, catering to the urgent needs of those who are homeless or in unsuitable conditions. The facilities work together to improve daily living conditions and facilitate the social reintegration of homeless individuals. In times of emergency, external teams, consisting of volunteers and collaborating bodies, conduct street missions, aiding those in need, including providing food, blankets, sleeping bags, and information about available overnight accommodations. This comprehensive and collaborative approach ensures that the diverse needs of homeless people are addressed to the best possible extent, fostering a more supportive and caring community for those facing housing instability.

Impact: The Open Day Centre and Hosting Unit in the Municipality of Patras have a significant impact on vulnerable populations, including homeless migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, Roma people, and the local population. By fostering a holistic and participatory approach, these structures contribute to improved quality of life, increased integration into society, and the potential for a better future for those in need. Additionally, they promote social cohesion and integration within the community by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together, and they strengthen family units by prioritizing families with children and providing access to education and support services.

Key reference documents: KODIP - Department for Vulnerable Groups