In Greece,
anywhere from 800 to 6,000
refugees arrive daily from Syria, Iraq and
Afghanistan; they stay several days before
trekking northward. The Salvation Army World
Service Office (SAWSO) has channeled increased
funding to help the Army in Greece.
Funding supported the development of a day
center that offers toilets, shower facilities, basic
medical care and communications services for
refugees. Two warehouse employees coordinate
the vast numbers of volunteers that store and
sort donated items.
Salvation Army personnel and volunteers also
pass out sandwiches, water, milk, clothes, diapers,
baby wipes and personal hygiene products.
"If there is something that everyone on this great
march shares, it is desperation," observes Major
Haris Gianaros of The Salvation Army's United
Kingdom Territory. "This desperation has driven
them to leave their homes, their wider families and
their countries in search of a safe tomorrow."
To help refugees prepare for winter, The
Salvation Army has made an appeal for rain-
coats, scarves, socks and hats, which are distrib-
uted at the borders as refugees leave Greece.
"The Salvation Army, motivated by the love of
God, seeks to restore the dignity of these people
who are made in the image of God," Gianaros says.
In Germany,
refugees have been welcomed with
open arms. The country continues to be the most
popular destination for migrants arriving in
Europe. By the end of 2015, Germany had
received the highest number of new asylum
applications of any European nation.
Committed to providing a long-term response,
The Salvation Army is focusing on building
relationships, helping asylum seekers integrate
into their new surroundings and adapt to new
cultures. Immediate needs such as food, clothing
and emotional and spiritual support are provided,
27
The War Cry | FEBRUARY 2016
T
he world is experiencing the
worst refugee crisis, and largest
forced migration, since World
War II. In 2015, approximately
900,000 people displaced
from countries experiencing war, widespread
violence and insecurity made their way across
the Mediterranean to Europe.
The Salvation Army continues to build its
response to the crisis across Europe, with new
developments and inspiring stories emerging
each day from service activities on the ground.
Building Relationships
Refugees leave
Hegyeshalom,
Hungary.
Traveling
by train to Germany
by way of Austria,
most are fl eeing Syria
due to civil war.
Photo by Radek Procyk
SERVING REFUGEES
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