Samaras also said that his government is cooperating and coordinating itself with private initiatives on this matter as well. Specifically he referred to large foundations making donations and urban companies (and/or groups of citizens) known to assume social action. He said that this is why new legislation was ratified recently which can now facilitate donations by private individuals for socially beneficial reasons, without the tax burdens, such as VAT taxes, that existed previously. And of course, with the cooperation of local administration as well.
According to state news agency, the first such initiative is the creation of a model Emergency Homeless Centre, Samaras said. For example, a private donation is used to renovate the Drakopoulio Centre in central Athens΄ Vathis Square. It will be ready to operate in about a month an a half.
At an initial stage, the Centre is expected to host 80 people for a period extending up to 20 days, while afterwards they will be transferred to other premises of short-term hospitality or to safe apartments with the ultimate aim of their social reincorporation.
"The first 35 apartments that belong to the state have also been selected to house our helpless fellow citizens. And this is only the beginning", the premier added.Samaras also explained that the relevant expenditure will also come under the funds set aside as social dividend from the state budget΄s primary surplus.
The prime minister further said that the next step "includes the creation of another four emergency homeless centres - in Thessaloniki, Patra, Yiannena and Larissa - since these regions face an increased poverty rate, according to the most official data.
"We care about those in need. We help, in every way we can, our helpless fellow citizens. We encourage all to stand by their fellow man. And we thank those who are already offering", the premier concluded.
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