Athens Homelessness Survey Reveals Who Lives on the Streets
Athens, June 27, 2026 – A new survey conducted by the City of Athens in cooperation with the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University has provided new insight into the characteristics of people experiencing homelessness in the Greek capital. The study, carried out in October 2025, reveals that older adults and individuals facing financial hardship make up the largest groups affected by homelessness in the city.
This comprehensive survey was part of a broader European research initiative involving 35 European Union cities with populations exceeding 200,000 residents. In Greece, the study was meticulously conducted by Panteion University’s Department of Social Policy, with invaluable support from social workers, civil society organizations, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
The primary objective of this extensive research was to identify the main challenges linked to homelessness and to generate robust data that could effectively support the formulation of future policies aimed at addressing this persistent social issue. The findings underscore the complex interplay of factors contributing to homelessness, moving beyond simplistic explanations to offer a nuanced understanding of the crisis.
Who are Athens’ Homeless Residents?
The survey meticulously recorded 681 individuals experiencing homelessness within the Municipality of Athens. Of this total, 384 individuals were identified directly on the streets, highlighting the visible aspect of the crisis, while an additional 297 individuals were identified through various support organizations, indicating the reach of existing aid networks. It is important to note that these figures do not include people living permanently in apartments or supported housing facilities, focusing specifically on those without independent housing.
A significant demographic finding is that men constitute the majority of those recorded, representing 71% of the total homeless population. Women, while a minority, still account for a substantial 29%. Furthermore, the survey revealed that most respondents were Greek citizens, accounting for 69.9% of the total, suggesting that while international migration plays a role, a substantial portion of the homeless population is domestic.
One of the most striking revelations from the survey is that homelessness in Athens primarily affects middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 62% of those recorded were over the age of 50, a demographic often overlooked in broader discussions about homelessness. Conversely, people under 30 represented less than 8% of the total, indicating a different age profile compared to some other European cities. This demographic pattern suggests specific vulnerabilities among older populations, possibly linked to economic downturns, pension inadequacies, or health issues.
Adding to the challenges, nearly two-thirds (65.8%) of the surveyed individuals reported living alone, without the immediate support of a partner or a family network. This isolation exacerbates their vulnerability, limiting access to informal support systems that often play a crucial role in preventing or resolving homelessness.
Homelessness Often Becomes Long-Term
The research unequivocally highlights that homelessness in Athens has become a chronic social issue for a significant portion of the affected population. This is not merely a temporary setback for many, but a prolonged and deeply entrenched condition.
More than half of those surveyed reported having been without independent housing for more than two years, indicating a severe lack of sustainable solutions. Breaking down these figures further, approximately 31.6% had experienced homelessness for more than five years, a particularly alarming statistic that points to systemic failures in addressing long-term needs. Additionally, 24.9% had been without stable housing for between two and five years, reinforcing the pattern of prolonged instability.
These findings are critical as they indicate that many people facing homelessness are not merely experiencing a temporary housing crisis that can be quickly resolved. Instead, they are grappling with a prolonged situation that demands comprehensive, long-term support strategies, including sustained housing initiatives, employment assistance, and integrated social services.
Financial Problems are the Main Cause
Economic difficulties were overwhelmingly identified as the leading reason why individuals lost their homes. Around 72.2% of participants explicitly stated that financial problems were the primary factor behind their loss of housing. This underscores the profound impact of economic instability, unemployment, and insufficient income on housing security.
Beyond financial constraints, other major contributing factors were also identified, painting a picture of multifaceted challenges. Health issues and addiction-related problems were cited by 37.9% of respondents, indicating a strong correlation between health crises and housing instability. Family difficulties also played a significant role, with 30.2% of individuals attributing their homelessness to such challenges, including domestic disputes, family breakdown, or lack of familial support.
The results of this survey emphatically demonstrate that homelessness is linked to multiple and interconnected challenges, rather than being attributable to a single cause. This complexity necessitates a holistic and integrated approach to intervention, addressing not only economic needs but also health, social, and familial factors that contribute to an individual’s vulnerability to homelessness.
The City of Athens and Panteion University hope that these detailed findings will serve as a crucial evidence base for developing more effective and targeted policies to combat homelessness, ultimately aiming to provide sustainable solutions and improve the quality of life for those most affected.
Source: https://www.tovima.com/society/athens-homelessness-survey-reveals-who-lives-on-the-streets/
