More Greeks homeless as crisis takes its toll

[Dover]

ATHENS, Greece—Until about 18 months ago, Dimitri had a home, a job, a regular life. He had passed homeless people on the street, rarely giving them a second thought. He never imagined he could become one of them.

That was before Greece was gripped by a vicious financial crisis that has left the country teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Now the place he calls home is beneath a highway overpass, his bed a blanket laid out beneath a battered old desk. Part of a discarded crate serves as a pillow.


Since the debt crisis erupted in late 2009, tens of thousands of Greeks have lost their jobs or businesses and many others struggle on in employment where they haven't seen a paycheck in months. The unemployment rate reached a record 18.4 percent in August, a time when the peak tourist season usually sees a dip in jobless figures.

cont'd

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/11/30/more_greeks_homeless_as_crisis_takes_its_toll/

[golfguru]

1. I thought Europe has a wonderful safety net?

Greek gov't workers get wonderful pay and benefits.