Addressing basic needs for refugees on Kos

The Hub remains the main source of support for people on the move on the island of Kos, providing access to basic items, a safe space, and resources needed for their initial steps in Greece.

In recent months, we have continued to operate both the community centre and the free shop, meeting the needs of thousands. With the tourist season, we assisted many individuals with work related issues, particularly with opening bank accounts and getting the social security and tax numbers. 

We also continue to offer English and Greek classes twice a week at our community centre, aiding visitors' integration and improving their job prospects. As the only support centre in town, we also continue to assist individuals with administrative issues and daily struggles.

Since July, we have started providing a women's and kids' space on Thursday mornings. Activities vary depending on the needs of the participants. In the first weeks, women enjoyed having access to the kitchen in order to prepare nutritious traditional meals, which is unfortunately not allowed to do in the camp. Recently, a midwife from Médecins Sans Frontières, a medical organisation which started operating in Kos in August, participates in the women's space to provide information and answer some questions. 

In the last three months, we organised and participated in different events, including a community run in the town, monthly bazaars to sell some clothes on the 1st of each month, volleyball events every Monday evenings, the Yemeni Independence Day, several team events and a screening of the movie "Under the Fig Tress" on the 27th of September. We also co-organised a demonstration on the 7th of October to show support to the Palestinian, Lebanese, Yemeni and Syrian communities, as most of our visitors are from these four countries. 

The sense of community that we promote through our different services and events is essential for many. The Hub continues to play a vital role beyong meeting basic needs, by restoring a sense of belonging. Our project wouldn't be able without your generosity, we are very grateful for that! 

Our Hub remains the sole source of support for people on the move on the island of Kos, providing access to basic items, a safe space, and resources needed for their initial steps in Greece.

In recent months, we have continued to operate both the community centre and the free shop, meeting the needs of thousands. With the start of the tourist season, we assisted many individuals in writing CVs, helping them secure jobs in the hospitality industry despite numerous challenges. However, the influx of tourists has further limited access to housing, resulting in many of our visitors becoming homeless. Our centre has thus become a crucial daytime refuge where vistors can have access to basic necessities. You can read our latest blog post to learn more about the homelessness crisis.

We also offer English and Greek classes twice a week at our community centre, aiding visitors' integration and improving their job prospects. As the only support centre in town, we also continue to assist individuals with administrative issues and daily struggles.

In June, we participated in the 3rd season of the Anti-Racist Festival in Kos Town and a community event for World Refugee Day. Both events celebrated the power of community, strengthened our local network, and raised awareness about the challenges faced by people on the move on the island.

The sense of community we have fostered over the past couple of years is essential for many. Our Hub plays a vital role beyond meeting basic needs by restoring a sense of belonging. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and contribution to our project, which enables us to provide this much-needed support.