KEAN, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ioannina, created and started the operation of the IAC-Information Assistance Center (IAC), which is co-financed by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The Information Assistance Center (IAC) was established and operates on 6A Aravantinou Street in Ioannina, on a daily basis from Monday to Friday, from 8.00 am to 16.00 pm. Its goal is to facilitate access to refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable groups residing in the Region of Epirus in public services, in order to strengthen the prospect of local integration. In addition, the operation of the Center aims to enhance the exchange of information between local agencies and refugees.

More specifically, the Information Assistance Center (IAC) provides support and counseling services related to:

-The issuance of AMKA number, the issuance of a VAT number and the issuance of an Insurance Health Care Card, in accordance with the prescribed procedure and the applicable legislation;

-Access to Social Solidarity Services and support services for the submission of applications for the Social Solidarity Income (KEA);

-The registration in OAED and the issuance of an unemployment card;

-Issuing a bank account to a credit institution;

-Enrolling children in primary and secondary schools;

-Employment;

-The defense of their rights.

The Interdisciplinary team of the Center consists of cultural mediators / interpreters, legal advisor, social worker, educational and financial and administrative staff, which is responsible for the smooth operation of the Center and the proper and integrated provision of services in the wider region of Epirus.

Finally, the ultimate goal of the Center is to facilitate the access of refugees living in places, accommodation and sites in the region of Epirus, to public services such as health and social security services, to provide legal assistance and to facilitate their access in the labor market, in order to become independent and to be able to gradually build their lives outside the camps and accommodation as part of Greek society and therefore as part of local communities.

Outputs

-More than 3.000 refugees and asylum seekers accessed to services provided by KEAN

-Support call center providing help, advice and information to vulnerable people from other regions of Greece

–Access to job local market