Deputy Ministry responds to rising concern
Approximately 200 to 250 people across Cyprus face housing problems every year, according to Faidra Exadaktylou, an official at the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. She gave the figures to CNA following the discovery earlier this week of a woman’s body on a Paphos seafront road. Police are still investigating the case.
Exadaktylou stated that, compared to other European countries, the homelessness situation in Cyprus remains at a “very satisfactory level”.
Annual figures
- 2024: 225 cases
- 2023: 380 cases
- 2022: 206 cases
The individuals include Cypriots, EU citizens and third-country nationals, mostly single persons but also some families. Asylum seekers are not included in these numbers.
Immediate intervention policy
The Deputy Ministry and Social Welfare Services act immediately on every reported case, whether notified by police, citizens or local authorities.
Support provided includes:
- temporary accommodation in hotels or other facilities
- financial assistance under Article 11 of the Guaranteed Minimum Income law
- psycho-social support and guidance
Officers make direct contact with the person, arrange short-term housing and investigate underlying issues such as mental health problems. The goal is to prevent the phenomenon from spreading and to guide people towards permanent housing solutions.
Exadaktylou clarified that the Deputy Ministry handles emergency and short-term housing, while long-term housing policy falls under the Ministry of Interior.
Featured photo: Cyprus Mail
Also read: Homeless woman found dead in Paphos
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