“Everyone treated me like family. I felt safe”.
Faizan, 22 years old, Pakistan
Just a few years ago, Faizan left Pakistan as a teenager, traveling alone in search of safety and a better future. Crossing into Greece through the Evros River in late 2019, he eventually made his way to Athens. In his first days, he faced homelessness, violence, and injury, but he also found the first glimmers of care that would change his life.
After being attacked and hospitalized, Faizan was referred to The HOME Project. “Before arriving, I didn’t know anything about shelters or organizations that could offer support”, he recalls. “My hand was injured and I was facing several medical problems. The staff helped me a lot. They took care of me and supported me with everything. Everyone treated me like family. I felt safe”.
Life at the shelter gradually gained rhythm. Faizan attended school during the day, studied in the afternoons, and spent evenings socializing with the other boys, watching movies, talking, and forming deep friendships. “They weren’t just friends to me. They were like brothers”, he says. He also found comfort in returning to familiar activities: “I used to play billiards in Pakistan, and I continued playing here in places around Exarchia”.
Certain moments from that time remain unforgettable. Celebrating his birthday for the first time, for example. “In Pakistan I had never celebrated my birthday. But in the shelter everyone wished me and celebrated with me”. Trips and activities organized by the staff opened doors to new experiences, from football games through the Youth to Youth program at ACS Athens to visiting the island of Agistri.
Today, Faizan lives in our 18+ transitional shelter, while taking his first steps toward independent living. At the same time, he works at a carpentry factory, helping assemble furniture, and also goes to school, studying computer science. “I like computers and I want to learn how to work with them”, he emphasizes, hoping this path will open new opportunities.
Looking ahead, Faizan is focused on the next steps.“Right now my goal is to finish school and secure a long-term residence permit. Then I will be able to dream bigger and build my life in Greece”. He also thinks about giving back. “Maybe in the future I could work for an organization like The HOME Project. I would like to be able to help others”, he says.