Lighthouse Relief Hellas - Kritis 24

About Lighthouse Relief

Lighthouse Relief (LHR) was founded on the Greek island of Lesvos in September 2015, mobilising to provide an emergency response to arriving refugees. Thereafter, LHR expanded to support vulnerable groups such as children, women and youth on the mainland of Greece. Our mission is to provide dignified immediate and long-term relief to those experiencing displacement. We use a sustainable, participatory approach, that is driven by those we serve. Our Vision is a world in which the human rights, safe movement, dignity, and well-being of all people are respected.

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Today, Lighthouse Relief is focused on providing psychosocial support in Ritsona Refugee Camp, mainland Greece, and on providing support to refugees and asylum seekers experiencing homelessness in Athens. In Ritsona Refugee Camp, mainland Greece, we have been providing psychosocial support since April of 2016. There, we manage a Child Friendly Space (CFS), a Youth Engagement Space (YES), whilst running a Resident Volunteer Programme (RVP) and a Sports programme. Through the RVP, LHR works with members of the camp community to plan and implement our programmes, ensuring that they are accountable to the people whom we serve. Currently, since December 2020, LHR's Emergency Response programme is providing support to refugees and asylum seekers in Athens who are struggling with homelessness.

In September of 2020, after five years providing emergency support to refugees arriving to the north shore of Lesvos, LHR concluded its operation on Lesvos due to operational challenges related to COVID-19 and a changing political context. After we undertook an extensive research process, we launched a Streetwork Project in Athens to provide support to refugees and asylum seekers who are struggling with homelessness. The streetwork project provides holistic support to those experiencing homelessness, providing essential items (such as clothing, sleeping bags, diapers and baby food), as well as vital information to link refugees and asylum seekers with the services that they need, in addition to case management to ensure follow-up and consistent support. 

Read About Our Operations