In recent years, the media has repeatedly reported on the unbearable conditions for refugees on the Greek islands, particularly on Lesbos. However, the situation of unaccompanied minor refugees who have made it to the Greek mainland has largely gone unnoticed. Data on the number of unaccompanied minors in Greece is sometimes contradictory and inconsistent. It is estimated that around 4,500 unaccompanied children with refugee and migration backgrounds live in Greece, with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Syria being the main countries of origin. More than 90 percent of them are male, and the vast majority are between 14 and 18 years old. Approximately a quarter of them are homeless or live in precarious conditions outside of shelters, reception centers, and identification facilities.

Children and young people living on the streets face a multitude of difficulties. Without a place of their own, in precarious legal circumstances, and without stable social ties to family and friends, they lack a sense of belonging. They are forced to assume responsibility for adults at a very young age. Furthermore, their education and training are interrupted, which has a negative long-term impact on their future. All of this makes children and young people living on the streets physically, psychologically, and socially vulnerable to exploitation.

STEPS is a civil society organization based in Athens. STEPS supports people living on the streets and provides them with opportunities to become independent. The partner organization also offers access to food, counseling, first aid, clothing, and personal hygiene. The organization's medium-term goals include providing housing to offer people living on the streets privacy. They are supported in developing their skills and/or completing vocational training.

In collaboration with the Greek human rights organization Human Rights 360, STEPS offers street-based social work and related legal advice, showing refugee children and young people ways out of their current situation. STEPS accompanies unaccompanied minor refugees, child laborers, and victims of human trafficking on the streets of Athens to court proceedings, in search of shelter, and to medical appointments. This helps these young people reintegrate into social structures, learn about their fundamental rights, and assert their rights. They are supported in building independent lives. While STEPS' work focuses primarily on practical and direct support, the organization also regularly contributes to research projects and campaigns. These efforts aim to analyze and improve the structural conditions for people living on the streets.