I had no idea how a refugee center was run before coming to Greece.
The refugee center that we worked at was open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12 to 6.
We each broke up into different stations. These were the laundry room, the bathroom, sign-ins, the kitchen, the kids’ room, and the clothing room.
At 12 the center would open. Refugees would first sign in at the front desk. They would then come to the clothing room, which is where I worked. Every time they came in they were allowed to take 2 items of clothing. This often meant a pair of pants and a shirt. When we had new underwear and socks, they would be given that in addition to their two articles of clothing. They would then get a towel and a laundry bag from the volunteers who ran the bathroom. They would take a shower, change into their new clothes and hand their other clothes off to be washed. While they waited they could get a snack and coffee or tea from the kitchen.
It was a nice environment to work in, albeit sometimes stressful. Clothing was usually a top priority for a lot of the refugees that came in. It was often frustrating when they asked for clothing that I didn’t have. Sometimes they thought that I was lying to them or purposely not giving them clothes. Many were beyond thankful for what we had to give, but occasionally I would be yelled at for not having the right size or not having socks. While this could be frustrating, I had to remind myself that they were not really mad at me, but rather just mad at the situation that they were in. And I can’t say that I blame them.
Overall, I had a good experience working at the center. I found the work very important. We were meeting the basic needs of these people. It is hard work and I have a greater respect for the people who work at refugee centers full time. When I get back to the States I plan of finding a refugee center that I can volunteer at to continue to meet the needs of refugees within the United States.
–Caitlin
