Athens, 29 May 2020

Press Release

IOM “HELIOS” project financed by the European Commission, which supports the integration of recognized refugees into the Greek society, stands ready to support the housing needs of people who will be asked to exit their accommodation places in camps and temporary accommodation facilities by 31 May, as defined by the national legislative framework.

Through specialized staff, HELIOS is conducting accommodation workshops and individual sessions to provide detailed information to beneficiaries on the procedures and requirements to rent an apartment in Greece. The program supports beneficiaries towards independent accommodation in apartments rented on their name. HELIOS contributes to cover rental and move–in costs, depending on household size, as well as beneficiaries who have found accommodation and present a valid lease agreement.

The HELIOS project provides guidance to refugees recognized after 01/01/2018 towards independent accommodation and organizes language and cultural orientation courses in sixteen Integration Learning Centers located in big cities in Greece. The scheme also supports individual employability through job readiness courses and counselling, along with the establishment of a network with private and public sector employers. Up to date and upon their expressed interest and needs, 8,752 people have been enrolled in the HELIOS project and received different types of support for independent living.

From July 2019 up to date, 757 households consisting of 1,686 recognized refugees - mainly from Syria (37%) and Iraq (22%) – found a house and are living independently in Greece in apartments leased in their name.

A web platform called Heliospiti has been launched in coordination with IOM accommodation partners, where beneficiaries of HELIOS can search for an apartment with the support of designated staff. The HELIOS project is implemented by IOM in coordination with 10 implementing partners and with the support of Directorate General Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission (DG HOME).

For more information please contact: 

Christine Nikοlaidou at IOM Greece, Email: cnikolaidou@iom.int tel +30 210 9919 040 (ext.248)