From today all deprived Athenians will have access to free drugs and clothes. Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis opened “Social Pharmacy” and “Athenian Bazaar,” which have a goal to cover some of the main need of people who live either on the streets or in poverty. The two new social services are part of new programs done by the Athens Municipality.

Initially the “Social Pavilion” was opened, which is working for a year now. The people who live in poverty get their food and other first aid products from there. The programs are done by the Homeless Foundation, which is under the Athens Municipality. Right now, this foundation is helping around 3000 families by providing them food and shelter. “Social Pharmacy,” which is probably the first one of its kind worldwide will service 85 people who do not have healthcare. “Athenian Bazaar” will provide clothes, shoes, and kitchen appliances for 470 men, women, and children from different parts of the city, who are registered as homeless. The two new offices are situated in the Varvakio bazaar. In order to the homeless center to complete their plan, they were supported by National Organization for drugs, the pharmaceutical union in Athens, and by the World Pharmaceutics. It is expected that at the beginning the participants will not exceed 200 people. The criteria, by which they will be chosen is their economical situation and the seriousness of their health problem.

“Social Pharmacy’s” next goal will be the gradual healthcare of people living on the streets. “We want to find the citizens who also have the right for healthcare but they do not know it. Our experience shows that there are hundreds of people who are not insured,” explains deputy mayor of Athens and chairman of the Homeless Foundation Elefterios Skiadas for the “Katemerini” newspaper.

The guideline of the pharmacy provides the servicing of foreigners as well. “Athenian Bazaar” is situated in the same building as the pharmacy. The people have the right to get clothes from there, after introducing themselves in the office with the necessary documents, which show they are deprived. From there they will receive coupons, which can be used for clothes and shoes from the store.

Big number of tailoring stores and workshops showed interest to participate in the program. The store “Athenian Bazaar” will accept second hand clothes. They will pick out the good ones, wash them and put them on the shelves.

One of the first Athenian who offered part of his wardrobe to the store was the Mayor of Athens Nikitas Kaklamanis. At the opening of the pharmacy and the store, Mr. Kaklamanlis said that “the Athens municipality is a shelter for all social groups, immigrants, and homeless.” It was also mentioned that over 400 companies have participated in the supply of the store and the pharmacy and the total amount of the products is 480 000 Euros.