As a sudden wave of severe winter weather grips Greece, the City of Athens has placed municipal services on high alert and activated emergency measures aimed at protecting homeless and vulnerable residents from dangerously low temperatures.
The measures come into effect at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, and will remain in place until further notice, according to municipal authorities. Weather forecasts point to a sharp drop in temperatures over the next 24 hours, with winter conditions expected across much of the country, including the possibility of snowfall on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Heated Shelter Opens in Central Athens
As part of the emergency response, the City of Athens has opened a heated indoor space at the Agios Eleftherios Friendship Club, located at 372 Acharnon Street (phone number: 210 2012334). The facility will operate as a temporary refuge, offering safe accommodation, meals, and basic care services for people exposed to the cold.
The shelter is intended to provide immediate relief for those living on the streets as temperatures fall to potentially life-threatening levels.
Street Outreach Teams Deployed 24/7
Municipal Street Work teams will be operating around the clock throughout the city, conducting outreach in public spaces and neighborhoods where homeless individuals are known to seek shelter. The teams will distribute hot drinks, snacks, warm clothing, and blankets, while also offering guidance and assistance.
Special attention will be given to people who face mobility challenges. Outreach workers will help those in need reach the city’s Homeless Support Center dormitory, which continues to operate 24 hours a day, providing accommodation, food, and essential services.
Emergency Hotline and Public Reporting
A dedicated municipal call center will operate on a 24-hour basis at +30 210 524 6515 and +30 210 524 6516 (press 0). Residents can also report locations where homeless individuals may need assistance by emailing kyadastreetwork@athens.gr.
In addition, reports can be made through the City of Athens’ four-digit public service line, 1595, enabling faster intervention by municipal teams.
Call for Public Awareness
City officials are urging residents, visitors, and businesses to remain vigilant during the cold spell and to notify authorities if they encounter people at risk due to exposure. With winter conditions intensifying, the municipality stresses that timely reporting can be critical in preventing cold-related injuries or loss of life.
The emergency measures underscore Athens’ efforts to respond swiftly to extreme weather and protect its most vulnerable residents during one of the coldest periods of the year.
