By Laura Miti | Member of Lesvos Solidarity
It has been one year since we started the implementation of the housing project in the center of Mytilene, after the Pikpa camp was evicted. All the spirit and vision of the organization was put into the planning and implementation of this project, because providing decent housing is one of our top priorities!
People arriving on the island are forced to live in an open space, on the beach, Mavrovouni Camp, and endure the unacceptable hygienic conditions, lack of facilities and adequate shelter, while being exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions.
Therefore, we have been working to increase the impact of the housing program by improving our services and the quality of existing housing, and exploring all options to create space for more people. In one year, we were able to house 50 people in fully equipped apartments.
Today, LeSol has oversight of 5 fully equipped rental apartments in the city center of Mytilene, with a total maximum capacity for about 30 people. Of these apartments, one to two are used for emergency situations, such as housing Covid 19 cases.
All residents living in the apartments are fully supported and have access to medical, psychosocial and food services provided either by LeSol or other humanitarian organizations working with us.
In addition to these services, residents are encouraged to participate in various projects, seminars, classes and workshops held at the organization’s training point, Mosaik Support Center. Some examples include language and computer classes, job training and employability workshops, at the Mosaik Support Center, art and upcycling seminars as well as events at the Humade Crafts Workshop.
Residents will also be assisted with any necessary bureaucratic work and will receive counseling and training to secure access to the job market when expressed as an individual need.
We are always looking for ways to improve and expand our work and activities, with our main goal being to help people in transit find a home and rebuild their lives.
We are very proud and happy about the people who are supported by the housing program and we are deeply touched by all of you for your efforts to keep this program alive and running.
With gratitude and love,
The team of Lesvos Solidarity
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