City Plaza Hotel Athens squatted for Refugees - First Hand
Inhabitants report about City Plaza on their own
Since April 2016 the bankrupt City Plaza Hotel Athens is squatted and hosts 450 inhabitants.
Greek state doesn't provide any allowance to refugees. If they want food and lodging they are obliged to move to refugee camps usually in remote places and very low standart. Inhabitants usually have no individual income. The inhabitants from Syria and Afghanistan are legally in Greece. Most of them are waiting for further decisions (relocation). Due to their legal status or due to unemployment in Greece they are unable to earn their living.
Around 30 greek activists from various backgrounds and ages take responsibility for survival in the house. Decisions are taken in consensus.
Cooking and cleaning are organised in rotating shifts by the inhabitants, while reception, gate and bar are run by the activists supported by inhabitants and/ or temporary volunteers.
All activities including the plena are open for everyone.
There's a kind of volunteer tourism in the house and media are showing up frequently.
City Plaza doesn't accept funding by governmental or major humanitarian organisations. It campaigns for private donations and negotiate with supermarkets for special food deals.
(information & account for donations see: medico international)