The absolute disrespect experienced by our vulnerable fellow citizens from the Municipal Authority was demonstrated at yesterday’s Municipal Council by the leader of the faction ATHINA PSILA, Kostas Bakoyannis.

Specifically, Mr. Bakoyiannis made reference to three examples of social structures on the verge of dissolutionemphasizing the following:

“While the Mayor, as PASOK’s presidential candidate, is campaigning throughout Greece, those who are most in need are sinking into abandonment and indifference.

The Multipurpose Homeless Center is faltering

A Center that dealt holistically with homelessness in the capital, is on the verge of collapse. The Structure we created from scratch in 2020 is today understaffed, no security and no cleaning crew.

The Day Center is underperforming with reduced staff and lowered rolls, due to the general insecurity that has been created in the area.

The Dormitory is no longer operational.

The Guest House has become an overgrown vine. Thefts, bed bugs, lack of elementary cleanliness, reconstruction work of rooms and common areas on pause.

Despite the excess effort exerted by the remaining workers, the image of abandonment is evident, with the consequences weighing on the backs of the homeless who either cannot be accommodated in the structure, due to a lack of space and staff, or live in it in conditions that do not even provide them with the basics.

The Battered Women’s Hostel is closed due to… holidays

The Abused Women’s Hostel is closing for the summer, due to lack of staff. A Hostel – Refuge that has been strengthened in terms of its operation and relocated to a new building that provides safety and decent living conditions.

The guest women they are forced to abandon him and to be transferred to another place, with what this implies for their psychological state and the feeling of insecurity that is intensified by the change of environment. At the same time, as long as it remains closed, it will not accept new incidents. Really, women are not abused in August? Should we ask abusers to take a break? How can the Municipality of Athens protect an abused woman today?

The Center for Combating Gender-Based Violence and Multiple Discrimination is closing – Employees are being laid off

At a time when gender-based violence has escalated, femicides have increased, the LGBTI community is the recipient of intimidation and racism, the Municipal Authority decides to stop the operation of the only center that addresses all, without exception, people who have received any form of violence and discrimination, with the argument of its evolution into RapeCrisisCenter. At the same time, its specialized and experienced staff is laid off. And the reasonable question arises, why is the Municipality proceeding with an ostensible transformation – essentially abolishing the Center, effectively reducing the range of services, instead of expanding it and integrating it with the RapeCrisisCenter? What is the purpose of this unplanned action? Where will all these victims of violence and discrimination turn? Who will be hired and what qualifications will they have? Why are existing employees fired?

The social protection net of the city, which we built with a lot of effort, together with the organizations, agencies and notable executives of the Municipality of Athens, we regret to note that it is crumbling. Because there is no plan, because there is no intention, because there is no interest. Because our vulnerable fellow human beings are a problem for the Municipal Authority and not a priority.

Let them leave the appearance, the well-shot videos and the salty photos and finally get serious about the invisible Athens and the essential needs of the people who are on the margins.

This of course requires effort and a strong will. It requires seriousness and some of your precious time, Mr. Mayor.”