The Mayor of Athens Giorgos Kaminis, the Norwegian Ambassador in Athens Sjur Larsen and the President of the NGO (nongovernmental organization) “Solidarity Now,” Stelios Zavvos announced the implementation of a new programme aiming to support those in need due to the economic crisis.

The project "Solidarity and Social Reintegration" is run by the City of Athens in collaboration with the NGO Solidarity Now and will be financed by funds from Norway (95.5%), Iceland (3%) and Lichtenstein (1.2%).

More than 3600 households will receive 46,368 coupons that will allow beneficiaries to buy food and basic goods from the retail stores of their choice. The first two coupon distributions have already taken place, with an impressive 95% participation on part of the beneficiaries.

The programme also aims at tackling the problems that homeless drug-addicts are faced with in the city centre. It seeks to reinforce field work of the Homeless Reception Centre of the City of Athens (KYADA) with one extra task-force, and improve cooperation with various grou`s specialized in supporting addicts.