About The Project
Athens is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, full of history, culture, and energy. Yet, the financial crisis, low minimum wages, and recent refugee inflows have contributed to a significant rise in homelessness. Many people now live without a roof over their heads or access to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and clean clothing.
Those experiencing homelessness often face barriers to essential support, including accessing governmental assistance, reconnecting with family, finding employment, or completing necessary registration processes.
As a volunteer, you will work alongside local NGOs to create meaningful opportunities for vulnerable individuals. You’ll help provide access to hygiene facilities, legal assistance, and resources that restore dignity and empower people to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Your support will make a direct and lasting impact on some of Athens’ most marginalized residents.
Goals of this project:
- To provide vital support to the homeless population in Athens, helping them regain their dignity and access to basic services.
- To help with the preparation and filing of legal documents, ensuring that individuals have access to necessary government services.
- To help prepare meals and distribute them to the unhoused, ensuring they receive essential nutrition.
How You Can Help
This program tackles the rising issue of homelessness in Greece, worsened by the financial crisis and low minimum wages. Volunteers support local NGOs by creating opportunities for those in need, providing access to basic hygiene, and helping individuals feel seen, valued, and supported.
Volunteers can expect to be involved in the following tasks:
- Assist in preparing and distributing nutritious meals to homeless individuals.
- Participate in outreach projects that engage directly with the homeless, offering support and guidance to help them access essential services.
- Help operate laundry stations by assisting with washing and drying tasks, providing clean clothing to those in need.
- Support the preparation and filing of legal documents, helping individuals navigate bureaucratic processes.
- Assist with various administrative tasks to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the non-profit office.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to dedicate their time and energy to support the homeless community in Athens. This hands-on program is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive impact, whether you're pursuing a career in community development, or simply want to explore your interest in helping others. Beyond this the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
Project Location
Athens, located in southern Greece near the Aegean Sea and surrounded by mountains, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it ideal for exploring its historic sites year-round. With over three million residents, Athens is a bustling metropolitan city that blends modern buildings with historic landmarks and lively neighborhoods. The city also boasts a rich cultural life, featuring museums, theaters, and galleries that seamlessly combine its ancient heritage with contemporary arts.
Start Dates & Duration
This project has arrivals on SUNDAYS. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended. For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Athens and taken to the accommodation to settle in. An orientation session is held on arrival to introduce volunteers to the culture and customs, language basics, safety guidelines and practical information as well as an overview of the programs and volunteer experience. A guided city tour is also included - perfect for getting to know Athens and meeting local staff.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Athens International Airport (code ATH)
The airport pick-ups are available on Sundays between 7am and 10pm. Pick-ups can be arranged outside this time for an extra fee.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation is provided at a local hostel where volunteers are roomed in a female or mixed-gender shared room.
Enjoy the use of shared common spaces, and free WIFI.
Fees
That’s just USD 111 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.