Caritas Athens is a non-profit organization (NGO) recognized by the state, a member of Caritas Hellas which is part of Caritas Europa and Caritas Internationalis (the Charitable Organization of the Catholic Church which is active in more than 165 countries worldwide).
It was founded in 1978 with the aim of combating poverty and injustice, supporting vulnerable groups of our fellow human beings and developing various activities in Attica, Euboea (Evia), Peloponnese and Central Greece (Sterea Hellas) regions.
It operates in the center of Athens with its compass being the Christian principles of the Social Catholic Teachings and the values of love, practical and meaningful solidarity, the subsidiarity principle, social responsibility, sensitivity, respect for dignity and for indefinitely guaranteed human rights.
Caritas mission is the continuous and unselfish help succor, solidarity, support and offering to every human being in need, Greek or foreign, regardless of religion, nationality, gender, race, language or age, trying to cover any material, psychological and spiritual needs.
Caritas multifaceted work requires a wide range of activities and the operation of various organized areas of action. These activities are materialized mainly by the paid staff, the active and tireless volunteers, the warm supporters, donors and sponsors, but also by participating in national and international programs, since the Organization has no financial or material support from the State.
Particularly after the refugee crisis, its multidimensional work has increased as the number of aid seekers has more than doubled, with a result of serving approximately 1.000.000 people between summer 2015 and December 2020. Caritas Refugee sector, offered daily meal distribution, clothing and essential necessities, hot bath shower facilities, psychosocial support, counseling for pregnant women, vaccination program for children, teaching adults Greek and English language, a library for refugees, activities for children and adults, housing, prepaid cards, assistance with the professional rehabilitation for recognized refugees, support in finding accommodation and being self-reliable , as well as rent subsidy for the first few months.
Caritas activities also include voluntary blood donations, support and entertainment for the elderly, support for patients and people with health problems, distribution of food and essentials to homeless people, distribution of essential necessities to people in confinement facilities, financial assistance and counseling to young people wishing to start a small business, as well as provisions for emergency and natural disaster relief!