Maison Charlotte
SHELTER FOR REFUGEE WOMEN AND CHILDREN (ATHENS)
Maison Charlotte is a shelter for refugee women and children run by just human in Athens. It was founded in June 2020 and provides a safe place along with comprehensive support. Two caseworkers accompany the residents on their path to an independent life.
Why “Maison Charlotte”?
HISTORY OF THE NAME
The shelter is named after the woman who, in May 2020, contributed to the creation of this project through her message to just human.
At that time, she was six months pregnant, living on the street, and urgently asked for support. By mid-June 2020, Charlotte was able to move into Maison Charlotte. In July 2020, a refugee woman with her young son and five other women moved in, one of them with a young daughter.
The tenth place was also filled at the end of August 2020: Charlotte’s baby was born healthy.
How does just human provide support?
OUR SERVICES
At Maison Charlotte, women and children receive:
- a protected accommodation and basic necessities
- access to medical and therapeutic care
- legal advice and support
- placement in language courses, workshops, internships, and employment
- information and guidance for integration in Greece
- programs to strengthen the mother-child relationship
- play and learning opportunities for children, as well as support for school enrollment
The shelter is aimed at refugees who have not yet received recognized protection status.
New opportunities at Maison Charlotte
Currently, with the support of just human, 8 adults and 7 children are accommodated in the shelter.
Arriving means first of all great relief and safety. Initial priorities include health and often necessary medical care, as well as the legal situation. In addition, all women commit upon moving into Maison Charlotte to participate in language courses, internships, or other training programs to prepare for an independent life. Throughout all of this, they are individually accompanied and supported by the two caseworkers.
Some women and children have survived severe violence. In addition to medical care, they also require therapeutic support to rebuild a good life. Legal assistance is also crucial to provide women and children with the safety they urgently need.
