June 2024

Lesvos: Developing A Free Shop & Many Transfers

Camp remains very calm with numbers steadily decreasing. This month, we’ve been meticulously building a space in the New Arrivals Area to make the distribution of first-need items cleaner and more stream-lined. We’ve also said goodbye to an amazing couple who has been committed to Lesvos for 4.5 years–Kelly and Kate have parented and guided hundreds of leaders, and have now left the island. We also worked on replacing our Free Clothing Shop with now just a “Free Shop,” due to most of the variety and selection of clothing going to the new arrivals when they first arrive. After people waited weeks to receive a ticket to our Clothing Shop, they were frustrated and disappointed with the options, so we have now added household items, cleaning supplies, toys and other free items. This has proved to be a valuable way to move things out of our warehouse that we don’t have enough of to do a targeted campwide distribution. With our Field Coordinator, Rob, going between Samos and Lesvos once or twice a month, we’ve been building closer ties between the two camps and sites. The high numbers of transfers off the island are making the camp residents feel a lot of unease. Education expects to see big changes with a large education NGO leaving camp in a month, leaving a significant gap. We need prayers for significant guidance about what education should look like in the coming months and year.