Mazí housing provides safe and stable accommodation and casework support for young male asylum seekers and refugees in Greece. We work to support people to access their rights, and this support is as needed as it was when migration to Greece dominated news headlines in 2015. As news coverage has been usurped by other crises, support for NGOs in Greece has dwindled.

Mazí runs two apartments in the city, providing a safe place to live for 23 men at any given time.

Residents are supported to address health and mental-health concerns, develop skills, find work and pursue their goals. This breaks the cycle of homelessness for each individual, helping them leave prison-like camps, precarious basements, and rough-sleeping on the streets, for good.

As friends and family know, for the last few years, I have been involved in Mazí housing, first as a volunteer and now working as the housing manager. Running 2 apartments in Athens with 23 residents isn't a usual, or a predictable job. Since starting, I have laughed, cried, felt frustrated, resilient, energised, proud, creative, optimistic; I have learnt a lot. Mostly, I have learnt that Mazí works. People need safe and stable housing, and the way we provide it builds strong friendships and communities which last.

As more and more NGOs in Greece run out of money, and the government and EU withdraw their support, Mazí's work is as needed as ever.

That is why, this Sunday 12th November I will run the Athens marathon.

I am asking for your support because it is vital to keep Mazí houses running. Please donate; after all, providing stable housing isn't a sprint, it's a MARATHON!