The Greek Ombudsman has recommended the immediate closure of Athens’ municipal homeless shelter, following an inspection by experts, who found an infestation of bedbugs, rats and other pests, along with serious problems with sanitation standards and accessibility for people with mobility problems, with security, and with access to nursing and psychological support services.
They argued that a hiatus in operation is the only way to carry out essential repairs and maintenance.
Responding to the scathing report, the Athens Municipality said that the facility’s location in the city center makes it “impossible” to wipe out rodents, while claiming that bedbugs and lice are “brought in by the people who use the shelter.”