No One Decides to Leave Their Home: The Harsh Truth Behind Every Refugee Story

No one decides to leave their home without a reason. War, persecution, violence, and extreme poverty force millions of people every year to abandon everything: family, home, memories. No one leaves if they feel safe where they are.

World Refugee Day, on June 20th, reminds us that the safety many of us take for granted is, for millions, a fragile privilege. Images of destruction and conflict around the world show how quickly peace can shatter. In a matter of hours, thousands lose the homes they built over a lifetime and are forced to seek safety for themselves and their children.

The reality of displacement today

According to the UNHCR, by the end of 2024, over 122 million people worldwide are living as refugees or internally displaced due to conflict and persecution. Each number hides a unique story of survival and the hope for a new beginning.

What we see every day

In Greece, thousands of people who were forced to leave their homes still face daily challenges: homelessness, unemployment, social exclusion. Many live with fear and uncertainty about the future, yet they carry an unwavering hope to rebuild their lives from scratch.

Supporting a second chance

At Ithaca, we stand by people who had no choice but to flee their homes. Through practical services — laundry, social support, and guidance — we help them regain their dignity and find opportunities to start over.

Everyone deserves safety and dignity, wherever they are. Because truly, no one decides to leave their home unless they have no other choice.