Greek Homeless Assistance Plans Announced

There are two major goals of the Hellenic government's recent initiative. The first centers on taking advantage of real estate controlled by the state. These properties will not only offer housing, but also medical and pharmaceutical assistance. Coined the Emergency Homeless Center, the structure will be able to house about 80 people at a time, for up to twenty days. They will then be transferred to other dwellings, with the ultimate goal being complete society assimilation.

The second goal focuses on private sector aid. The Prime Minister explained, "...we are cooperating and coordinating ourselves with private initiative. From large foundations making donations, to urban companies and groups of citizens who assume social action. For this reason indeed, new legislation was ratified recently that facilitates donations by private individuals for socially beneficial reasons, without the tax burdens, such as VAT taxes, that existed previously. And of course, with the cooperation of local administration as well". Funds will also be granted from the state budget's primary surplus, from its social dividend sector.

Additionally, Samaras discussed that the next phase of development will be the establishment of four additional homeless structures in Larissa, Yiannena, Patra and Thessaloniki. The four regions are also plagued with a heightening poverty rate. At the end of his announcement, the Greek Prime Minister declared, "We care about those in need. We help, in every way we can, our helpless fellow citizens. We encourage all to stand by their fellow man. And we thank those who are already offering".