Greece launches new food aid and housing support programs
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Domna Michailidou, the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family in Greece, announced several new social support initiatives and housing programs.
The minister revealed that approximately 190,000 households will receive food assistance through a new voucher system. This system allows residents to choose their own products and shopping locations, such as local markets or small grocery stores. The government aims to replace the previous method of distributing fixed food packages.
While the average monthly amount is calculated at 60 euros, the minister stated that a retroactive payment of nearly 1,000 euros is expected to reach households before Christmas following negotiations with the Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. The government also expanded a relocation program to 10 additional regions, including Δράμα, Φλώρινα, Κιλκίς, Σέρρες, Πέλλα, Καστοριά, Κοζάνη, Γρεβενά, Ιωάννιννα, and Θεσπρωτία, in addition to Έβρου. This program received over 3,000 applications within 10 days of its expansion.
The initiative offers a 5,000 euro advance to citizens who wish to move permanently to these areas. Local committees in Έβρο, Αμύνταιο, and Νεστόριο are currently reviewing applications. Additionally, the minister opened a platform for owners of closed residences to submit plans for renovation, with potential grants of up to 36,000 euros. The government plans to launch the "Σπίτι μου 3" program in late December, which has previously helped 25,000 families acquire homes.
The minister also noted changes to childcare, including the removal of income criteria for large families seeking nursery spots and a reduction in the age limit for entering nursery schools to two years.
