Greek men account for a substantial share of homeless people surveyed in Athens, where 71% of respondents were male, 69.9% held Greek citizenship and 62% were over 50. The figures, submitted to Greece’s Parliament, also show financial hardship was the leading reported reason for losing housing.
The findings come from an October 2025 count conducted by the City of Athens and Panteion University. Researchers initially recorded 681 people, including 384 encountered on the streets and 297 reached through social service agencies. People living in longer-term supported apartments were not included.
Women accounted for 29% of respondents, while about 8% were younger than 30. The published research report identified 374 adults for detailed analysis of their living situations. It also documented another 280 people through street observation rather than full interviews. The work formed part of a European project to improve the recording of homelessness across participating cities.
Athens homeless count shows many Greek men and widespread financial strain
Financial difficulties were reported by 72.2% of respondents, far more than any other factor. Health problems, including substance use, were cited by 37.9%, while 30.2% pointed to family troubles. The report also identified international migration and eviction or loss of a tenancy among the circumstances linked to housing loss.
The findings show how difficult it can be to regain a home. About 31.6% had been without independent housing for more than five years, and another 24.9% had been in that position for two to five years. Nearly two-thirds, 65.8%, reported living alone, without a partner or family member in their household.
Researchers said the high proportion of older adults and those without housing for years showed the need for longer-term support. Among the 374 adults in the report’s detailed analysis, nearly 60% were staying in temporary or transitional accommodation, while about 28% were sleeping in public places.
Government points to housing assistance and local cooperation
Social Cohesion and Family Minister Domna Michailidou said efforts to address homelessness require “coordinated cooperation” with the City of Athens and other responsible agencies. Her response, submitted during parliamentary scrutiny, outlined programs to help people find housing and return to work.
One program provides rental assistance for 24 months, along with support for household needs, access to social benefits, and help with employment. Another housing initiative has accommodated 49 households in Athens, benefiting 99 people, according to the ministry’s response.
The report also highlighted problems with the street count. Rain in Oct 2025 made people harder to locate, and some sheltered in places outreach teams could not enter. Researchers recommended regular citywide counts rather than occasional surveys so that services can better respond to changing needs.
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