tl;dr

running, a lot. again (sorry). good cause. send money. thank you.

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When migration to Europe hit the headlines in 2015, the Syrians, Libyans, Eritreans who were fleeing war, persecution and hardship were met with a rush of solidarity, as people opened their homes, donations flooded in, and NGOs popped up, their coffers filled by the sympathetic benefactors of the global north. 

That didn't last long. 

I came to Greece after this wave of support had subsided. I came after completing my Arabic degree, trying to make up for the lack of available translation services for asylum seekers, one of the many barriers they face in accessing their rights.

For the last few years, I have been one of the directors of Mazí Housing, a grassroots charity which works to remove these barriers to inclusion by first providing safe accommodation.

As more and more NGOs run out of funding, and Greece and the EU withdraw their support, the need for housing and better access to services remains as strong as ever.

But the world has turned its attention elsewhere. At Mazí I spend much of my time explaining the crucial work we do to people who aren't listening; sending grant applications to foundations whose money is earmarked for someone else.

Which is why I am doing the two things I hate more than most other things:

    Running (42km!), and
    Posting on social media.

In the hope that you are listening, and that you've earmarked your money for us. Mazí are among the last housing providers still going. I am asking for your support because it is vital to keep our houses running. 

Please donate, or better yet, run with me. After all, providing stable housing isn't a sprint, it's a MARATHON.