WHAT WE DO?
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The Meraki Center offers orientation services for people in need—migrants and non-migrants—living in Attika. The ultimate goal of the project is to support everyone who reaches out by providing dignified services, active listening, and a range of possible solutions to their needs and challenges.
The project also serves as a connection point for the various organizations already operating in the city, with the aim of strengthening collaboration and mutual support. A key pillar of this network is the exchange of best practices and skills, which helps facilitate people’s access to available services and reduces the pressure on organizations by improving the guidance provided to those in need.
Thanks to the work of our social worker and our team of volunteer caseworkers, we are able to assist people with administrative procedures such as obtaining AMKA, registering on Taxinet, applying for AMA, renewing IDs, enrolling children in school, and supporting individuals throughout their integration process.
HOW TO GET APPOINTMENT?
Everyone can access the services of the Meraki Center only by appointment. The person needs to send a WhatsApp message, and the team will reach out to provide support and set up an in-person meeting if needed. The Meraki team will schedule the appointment based on capacity as soon as possible. The main languages spoken by the team are English, French, Greek, and Italian. For all other languages, appointments are organized with a cultural linguistic mediator.
Phone number: +30 6943682245
Monday to Friday from 10.30 AM to 16.30 PM
WHERE TO FIND US?
At Victoria Community Centre (VCC)
Address: Filis 68, Athens, 10434
The Victoria Community Centre (VCC)—named after the nearby square—is a collaborative, community-driven initiative created by multiple partner organizations. Its mission is to provide essential resources, practical support, and a welcoming environment for the diverse communities living in the Victoria neighborhood and throughout Athens.
Daily life in Athens is extremely challenging. People often encounter complex bureaucratic procedures, limited employment opportunities and significant difficulties in securing basic needs such as food, housing, and stable work.
At the heart of the VCC are its communal spaces—the café on the lower ground floor, the backyard, and the rooftop. These welcoming areas offer places where people can connect, seek support, and build meaningful networks. Thanks to partnerships with other NGOs, the Centre provides 200 hot meals each day and around 350 teas and coffees. In the common areas, refugees can gather, socialize, and join activities such as language clubs or CV and IT workshops, while the rooftop hosts a volunteer barber who offers free haircuts daily.
WHO IS IN THE VCC?
The Victoria Community Centre operates as a holistic hub supported by three core partners: Meraki Humanitarian Support, Medical Solidarity International (MSI), and Glocal Roots (GR).
Glocal Roots manages the building and its communal spaces, including the café and the women’s and children’s area. This dedicated space offers a safe environment for refugee women and children, providing various activities and free childcare for families who have appointments elsewhere in the building.
Medical services are managed by Medical Solidarity International, which provides basic medical care to around 400 patients per month. MSI primarily operates from its health point within the Centre while also maintaining services in partner locations across the city. The team conducts camp visits in the Attica region, provides hospital accompaniments when needed, and remains prepared for emergency responses.
Meraki offers individual support with bureaucratic procedures, assistance in securing safe housing, psychological or medical support, and efforts to bridge the gap between displaced communities and essential services.
Moreover, other organisations operate in the building. Twice per week, European Lawyers in Lesvos (ELIL) provide free legal guidance for asylum seekers, offering one-on-one consultations, tailored advice, and interview preparation. SAMS Hellas offers pediatric consultations every Tuesday, and UNHCR has two staff members present in the building to connect with people and assess their needs.
The Victoria Community Centre remains open to welcoming new partners who share its mission and values.
CONTACT US
Phone number : +30 6943682254
Email: merakithiras35@gmail.com
Coordinator: Matilde Bernabò +30 6943259243 - matilde.meraki@gmail.com
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