The Social Inclusion Observatory is conducting on-site surveys in the municipalities of the South Aegean for the 5th consecutive year, focusing this year on young people, with key thematic areas including poverty and social exclusion, housing, and mental health. In this context, the on-site survey took place on Monday, 01/09/2025, and Tuesday, 02/09/2025, in the Municipality of Kos, in collaboration with the Municipality’s Community Center.
The researcher, Ms. Dimitra Tasiopoulou, interviewed nineteen (19) young residents of the Municipality who live in conditions of poverty and receive the Guaranteed Minimum Income.
The interviewees reported the absence of extreme poverty phenomena on the island, while at the same time highlighting housing as a major issue, the severity of which is largely due to the island’s tourism-oriented character. Additionally, meetings were held with two (2) staff members of the Municipality of Kos Community Center: Ms. Irini Lasithiotaki, coordinator of the Community Center, and Mr. Christos Bardas, Economist at the Roma Department of the Community Center. These meetings documented the work they carry out as part of their duties, the areas needing improvement, as well as their own suggestions regarding the operation and effectiveness of the structure.
A discussion was also held with Ms. Maria Kike, Sociologist, who works in the “Help at Home” program. Through the discussion with Ms. Kike, the significant deficiencies in the areas covered by the program, as well as the understaffing of the program itself, were highlighted.
Finally, a meeting was held with the Deputy Mayor of Social Policy and Welfare of the Municipality of Kos, Ms. Stamatia Kantartzi, who informed us about how the municipal authority addresses
issues of poverty and the acute housing problem, as well as the solutions planned for implementation in the near future regarding these issues.
We would like to warmly thank the Community Center of the Municipality of Kos for their hospitality and participation, as well as the Municipality of Kos for their interest and support in our work.
