We, the Greek Forum of Refugees, are sending this call to action in order to support the most vulnerable people of our society amidst the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. We are calling out to all friends, organizations, businesses and individuals, as well as relevant authorities, in the hope for them to join our efforts, by providing the necessary financial assistance to those that are urgently in need of it.

We are the refugee and migrant communities. We are on the field with the refugee population that resides in camps and other facilities. We are witnessing people suffering in the streets. 

The situation is multidimensional and there are aspects of it that remain invisible to the wider society. Many of us, refugees and migrants, lost their job and cannot resume it because of the lockdown in many cases. They have no claim on social benefits and employee protection, hence, they cannot provide anymore for themselves and their families. A large number of people are living in overcrowded rent apartments that they share with many other individuals and families and can no longer afford even the basic expenses. There are people that were living in so-called  “hotels” or hosted by other refugee friends either in apartments, camp containers and tents or official accommodation programs, some of them living in confined spaces, that are asked to leave the premises out of fear of spreading the virus. As a result many among them will find or have already found themselves and their families on the street. Apart from the above, there is also a more than considerable amount of people that are already homeless, exposed, with no means for getting food and are starving.

The list goes on and on, and the circumstances are dire. Vulnerability knows no borders, race or religion and vulnerable groups of people should, finally, be taken under consideration in their entirety. The national emergency system is overloaded and cannot cover all these needs. We should all contribute in order to reduce this pressure on the system. 

We hope that through our friends and network, on a national, European and international level, we can receive the financial support needed to help in a practical manner as many vulnerable cases as we possibly can. 

Starting by just 10€ or more if you are able to, the Greek Forum of Refugees can proceed to buying and distributing all the necessary materials that can cover basic needs such as food, medicine and sanitation products. 

More precisely:

• 10€ can cover food for 1 person for 1 week
• 20€ can cover food for a 4 member family for 1 week
• 50€ can cover housing costs for 1 person for 5 days 
• 100€ can cover food and hygiene supplies for 3 families for 1 week
• 150€ can cover for a 4 member family for 1 month

We will keep everyone that supports this action informed, step by step, of the procedures and the impact of your contribution, through emails, our website and our social media platforms.

Your support is invaluable and your solidarity more than needed!

Contact information:

Greek Forum of Refugees:

Tel: +30 2130282976

Email: info@refugees.gr  communication@refugees.gr  fundraising@refugees.gr 

Website:    www.refugees.gr

Facebook: Greek Forum of Refugees 

                  GFR's Self-Advocacy Team