It was an unmissable and unforgettable experience which I will cherish.
Homeless Support Volunteer Program in Greece - Athens
Purpose
Help homeless people get access to services
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Sustainable hostel in Athens
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Compassionate volunteers who are comfortable working with homeless populations and happy to help out with a variety of tasks.
Project details
Want to help the homeless in Greece - Athens? International Volunteer HQ’s Homeless Support project is a unique opportunity to get involved with local non-profit organizations that help provide aid to homeless people in Athens. As a volunteer in Greece, you’ll help NGOs provide basic services to vulnerable people, such as food, water, clothing, and help with legal documentation.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In the rapidly changing heart of Athens, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, many residents face serious challenges. These include the long-lasting impact of the financial crisis, low wages, and the ongoing arrival of refugees. As a result, many people are left without housing, access to clean water or electricity, and the basic resources needed for daily life.
Individuals affected by these hardships often struggle not only to meet essential needs such as food and hygiene, but also face difficulties in reconnecting with family, obtaining legal documents, or applying for jobs and government support due to limited access to technology or social services. At the same time, food insecurity continues to be a major concern across Greece, with large quantities of edible food being wasted while thousands go hungry.
As a volunteer, you will play an important role in both community outreach and food rescue programs. You will support local NGOs that provide vital services such as hygiene support, legal aid, and the recovery and distribution of surplus food. Your contributions will help vulnerable individuals restore their dignity, develop essential skills, and work toward reintegration into society, while also promoting sustainability and reducing food waste. Your day to day tasks will vary but you can expect to help within the following tasks:
- Food Preparation & Distribution
- Food Rescue & Quality Control
- Outreach Projects
- Laundry Station Support
- Legal & Administrative Support
- Community Kitchen Assistance
- Sustainability & Logistics
Why do Homeless Support volunteering in Athens with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Homeless Support project in Athens you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Learning about how NGOs in Greece operate
- Directly helping homeless people by providing aid
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining community outreach experience
- Immersing yourself in Greek culture
- Discovering the ancient history of Athens
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
Exploring Greece during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Greece during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ Greece program is based in Athens, the country’s largest and capital city, as well as one of the world’s oldest cities! Famous for its art, philosophy and culture, you’ll have the chance to step back through time and witness fascinating museums, historic sculptures and ancient ruins up to 5,000 years old.
There are plenty of awesome viewpoints around Athens, from which you can admire the city’s architectural gems, labyrinthe of streets and charming taverns. Or you can soak up the sun on the city’s beaches and nearby islands. Don’t forget to treat your taste buds to the local Mediterranean cuisine - you can’t beat a Greek salad!
Arrival and orientation
The Greece volunteer program begins on the first and third Monday of each month and you will need to arrive in Athens on the Sunday before your chosen start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). The cost of your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Greece prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Athens on the Sunday before your program start date. You are also free to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.
On Monday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Greece and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Athens – an introduction to Greece, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement as well as a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
After the initial orientation, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Breakfast is available at the volunteer accommodation and is self-service. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteers usually begin traveling to their placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are participating in - some placements run in the afternoon and volunteers on these placements will have the morning free to use as they wish or to attend Greek language lessons. |
| 2:00 PM - 3.30 PM | Lunch is available at the volunteer accommodation. After lunch, you will continue your volunteer work (where applicable). |
| 4:00 PM | Volunteers with afternoon or evening shifts travel to placement to join local staff and begin work on their project. Please note that start times and daily work load depend on the project you are participating in. |
| 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Dinner is available at the volunteer accommodation. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Please note that this schedule will vary depending on the needs of your particular placement.
Weekends
Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of great things to see and do in Athens, wider Greece and the surrounding Greek Islands.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style hostel set in the vibrant center of Athens, located in the lively Metaxourgeio neighborhood. It is just a short walk or one metro stop from Omonia Square.
The area offers easy access to ancient landmarks, authentic street life, and the city’s dynamic cultural scene. With excellent public transport connections, you’ll find it easy to explore everything Athens has to offer, from the Acropolis to the coast.
The centrally located hostel offers a stylish, social atmosphere with plenty of communal spaces where you can relax and connect with others. Volunteers usually stay in shared rooms with up to 10–12 people. Rooms include cozy beds, individual lockers, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi throughout the building to ensure a comfortable and connected stay.
During your downtime, you can unwind in the welcoming lounge, cook a meal in the fully equipped communal kitchen, or head to the rooftop terrace to take in panoramic views of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis. The sunsets from here are especially stunning.
Private room upgrades and additional nights before or after your program can be arranged after registration, subject to availability and an extra cost. Just chat with your IVHQ Program Manager for more information.
Keep in mind that the hostel also welcomes other travelers, not just volunteers. This adds to the experience and helps create a diverse and lively environment where you will meet people from all around the world.
Meals
Volunteers enjoy three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served daily at the hostel.
Breakfast is typically buffet style and may include tea, coffee, milk, bread, jam, cereal, and seasonal fruits.
Lunch and dinner feature a selection of Greek traditional dishes such as pastitsio, moussaka, lentils, pasta salad, and a variety of veggie-based meals. Other commonly served items include fish, meat, rice, pasta, vegetables, and salad.
If you have any special dietary requirements, we encourage you to communicate these when submitting your application so the local team can make arrangements where possible. While meals may differ from what you are used to at home, the local team does their best to ensure volunteers are well taken care of and have a positive experience.
Volunteer accommodation lookout
Volunteer accommodation common area
Volunteer accommodation upgrade
Typical volunteer bedroom
Volunteer accommodation upgrade
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $700 Equivalent to $100/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,060 Equivalent to $76/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,420 Equivalent to $68/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,780 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,140 Equivalent to $61/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,500 Equivalent to $60/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,220 Equivalent to $58/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,940 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 12 weeks | $4,660 Equivalent to $55/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Athens generally find US$100 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including, transportation, water and miscellaneous spending.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Athens
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Athens program.
Extra Night of Accommodation in a Shared Room with Breakfast
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From $47
Check what's required to visit Greece
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Athens |
| Population | 11.18 Million |
| Languages | Greek |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The climate in Greece is a very typical Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers with long periods of sunshine and no rain.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
RK
Robert Kersley
...
RA
Rebecca Allred
You will make friends, and your worldview will be broadened.
...
SB
Serica Battaglia
I can’t fault the guidance and preparation resources from IVHQ! They have been absolutely amazing and were always on hand whenever I needed advice, thank you!
...
FL
Florencia Lira
Volunteering with IVHQ was a very fulfilling experience. You get to know places that you never imagined you would know before. You also meet new people that become great friends and who join you on an amazing trip to explore new cultures.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
