The non-profit organization Timber Project builds small compartments and facilities to improve housing conditions for refugees in Greek camps and along the Balkan route. Active for over a year, the organization is made up of activists from around the world.
The aim is to improve the quality of refugees' lives inside refugee camps in Greece and in the territories of the Balkan Route. Timber Project designs and builds timber structures that "offer small pieces of solace, protection and dignity to those forced to flee their homes", according to the website .
Examples of the structures are sanitary facilities, children's playgrounds, or communal gathering spaces, which have been used to create women friendly spaces. In addition, the Timber Project has also constructed children's libraries, cafes and wifi stations.
Libraries, shelters and wifi zones for migrants
The Timber Project was created in July 2016 from an idea by its six founders. "Our first involvement as individuals with the refugee crisis came on the beaches of Lesvos helping people out of boats and on to the land. We then gained further experience working in emergency relief conditions helping provide shelter in Moria, the main reception center on the island.
"As the situation developed and changed, so did our role", the heads of the project say. Their first initiative was the building of a shelter in a camp for those in transit in Kelebija, Serbia, where migrants can rest and use a wifi connection. After this, their work was focused mostly on Greece though the collaboration of many NGOs such as Help Refugees, Refugee Support, EKO Project, A Drop In The Ocean and Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Services that make a difference
Currently, The Timber Project is working in the Greek refugee camp of Koutsochero, where it has built a library for children and is making a 'green oasis', a shaded area with many plants: thyme, rosemary, lavender and jasmine to give shelter from the sun and a shared space for migrants. T
he project, which uses crowdfunding, in only 6 days surpassed its target and reached 1,100 dollars in funding. "Working through each phase of the unfolding crisis has allowed us to build up our awareness of the wider migrant situation in the Eastern Mediterranean,'' The Timber Project said. "We have seen first-hand the difference these services can make to people stranded in the camps across Europe. We would love to expand and continue our work to help as many people as possible."