Just 6 km from Turkey’s coast, Chios, Greece’s 5th largest island, is a favoured crossing point for smugglers ferrying refugees from war and drought-stricken countries to the EU. Boat Landings are no longer in the news, but they continue to occur regularly – people land on Chios cold and wet, with just what they’ve carried with them. The government maintains the Vial Closed Control Access Center (CCAC) and provides limited supplies, such as shelter, water, and food.
Our History and Our Role in Chios
Our journey began in 2015, at the height of the refugee crisis on the island of Chios. When boats began arriving daily on the eastern shores, local resident Pothiti Kitromilidi (Toula) heard the cries of children on a beach near her home. Together with other locals, she provided them with food, water, and clothes. Meetings with local groups encouraged the formation of CESRT (Chios Eastern Shore Response Team). A Facebook page was created to help spread the word and attract both international volunteers and supporters.
From Emergency Response to Structured Support
During the winter of 2015–2016, arrivals surged to unprecedented levels, with volunteers patrolling beaches day and night. CESRT provided essential aid at landing points and began building a network of local and international volunteers. Up to 20 rubber dinghies make the crossing from Türkiye daily.
As formal camps were established across Chios in 2016, including Vial, Souda, and Dipethe, our role evolved. We expanded beyond emergency response to long-term support, launching initiatives such as:
- A free clothing “Boutique Container” near Souda camp
- Support for unaccompanied minors through food, clothing, and informal education
- Daily meal distribution in collaboration with partner organizations
- Early community projects, including a school for refugee children and a women’s center
- The creation of a language program, which later became an independent organization
Building Infrastructure & Expanding Impact (2017–2020)
As needs grew, so did our operations. A central warehouse was established to manage and distribute thousands of donated items arriving from around the world. Over time, this operation relocated and expanded, eventually settling in Vagia, where it continues today.
Our projects diversified to meet evolving needs:
- Emergency accommodation for vulnerable individuals
- Winter aid distributions
- Beach clean-ups following landings
- A Free Shop serving both refugees and vulnerable local residents
In 2018, CESRT transitioned into Offene Arme, a Germany-based NGO, strengthening governance and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Adapting Through Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our work adapted to new challenges. While many organizations withdrew from Chios, we remained. Programs were adjusted to reduce health risks, and a small, dedicated team continued providing essential non-food items and logistical support.
Continuing Support in a Changing Landscape (2022–Today)
As arrivals increased again in recent years—many of them unaccompanied minors—we scaled our operations back up. Key initiatives include:
- A pop-up distribution point near Vial CCAC for those unable to access our main store
- Transportation support for refugees needing medical care
- Continued warehouse and Free Shop operations
Today, Offene Arme is the only NGO on Chios consistently providing non-food items (NFIs) to asylum seekers and refugees, while also supporting efforts on other Greek islands.
Looking Ahead
Our work continues to evolve alongside the realities on the ground. While specific projects may change, our mission remains constant: to provide practical, dignified support to people in need.
At the heart of everything we do is the same spirit that began on a beach in 2015—a commitment to humanity, community, and care, led by Toula and sustained by a global network of volunteers.