ESTIA (completed)

ESTIA

Integration and Housing Emergency Support Program

From November 2016 to December 2020, OMNES association partnered with UNHCR and implemented the ESTIA project (rental accommodation scheme for asylum seekers in Kilkis) in an exemplary way. The emergency support program for integration and housing was funded by the European Union and created 660 accommodation vacancies in the regional unit of Kilkis (Municipalities of Kilkis and Paionia) for vulnerable refugee/asylum seeker groups.

The daily support mechanisms enabled the beneficiaries to adapt to the new cultural and social environment, while ensuring decent living conditions and personalized management of their needs. These services aimed at avoiding social exclusion and marginalisation, and assisted the fight against discrimination and racism.

The project:

• ensured the enrollment of all children in Primary and Secondary Formal Education
• promoted the acquisition of the Greek language
• ensured access to health care
• provided with information, consultation, psychological support (both to families and individuals), escort and mediation during visits to public services (tax offices, OAED, etc.)
• provided with legal information and counseling sessions
• facilitated interconnection with other supporting organizations and the beneficiaries’ participation in the city’s social and cultural life
• provided housing opportunities in rented apartments and addressed basic needs such as food and clothing

 

In total, between 2016 and 2020 the OMNES Association housed more than 2500 asylum seekers.

For more information visit the website

http://estia.unhcr.gr/el/home_page/