No Name Kitchen is an independent movement working alongside the Balkans and Mediterranean routes to promote humanitarian aid and political action in favour of those suffering the hardships of extreme journeys and violent rejections. 

This is a real quote from a member of the NNK field team talking about a person on the move (PoM): we don't help, we decide to fight against injustice and empathise with those who suffer the illegalities of an unjust system. After a field experience, we learned much more as volunteers than we gave to those suffering from vulnerable conditions

No Name Kitchen's presence in Milan

No Name Kitchen (NNK) began its work in Milan in 2025, as Milan is a strategic point on Italian migration routes, where people arrive after enduring arduous journeys through the Balkans or first by sea and then through Italy. The city serves both as a temporary transit point for those continuing their journey to other European countries and as a destination for asylum seekers settling in Italy. NNK's presence in Milan is centred on a house rented and managed by Retemilano ODV, which serves as a dormitory for six people on the move at a time, who can stay there for a maximum of two nights. The project is carried out in collaboration with Rete Milano. 

NNK's work in Milan

NNK's work in Milan combines direct humanitarian assistance, community support and human rights advocacy. Its main activities include:

• Shelter: food, hygiene and other non-food items during night shifts at the shelter, from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. The team helps homeless people settle into the house for one or two nights, teaches them hygiene procedures, and assigns them beds and personal items. During the day, the team will ensure that the warehouse is in working order and clean the house so that it is ready for new guests.

• Groceries: the team is responsible for keeping the pantry stocked, providing necessary food, cleaning supplies, and any other necessities. Support is provided for significant needs or expenses.

• Information: The team provides people on the move with practical, situation-specific information to assist them with their daily needs and movements. This may include, for example, accompanying them to the wardrobe service in the morning or giving them directions to catch the tram to the train station. Where necessary, the team offers direct support to ensure that people on the move understand the necessary steps and logistics.

The population    

The migrant population in Milan is diverse and varies over time. It can be broadly divided into two groups: Temporary residents: these people are actively on the move and stay in Milan for short periods before attempting to cross into other European countries. They are often recovering from difficult journeys and returns. Permanent residents: these are people who intend to stay in Milan but face significant challenges, such as a lack of space in reception centres. Many live in precarious conditions. This group includes adults from any African or Asian country and unaccompanied minors. They are accommodated for two nights while being referred to the relevant organisations, with a long-term perspective. Both groups face systemic neglect and precarious living conditions. NNK prioritises meeting their basic needs while advocating for systemic improvements to support these vulnerable populations.

What do you need to know before you come?

• Accommodation: NNK does not have its own accommodation in Milan. Volunteers stay in the same flat where the service activities take place, in a separate room that can accommodate two activists. The flat is rented and managed by Rete Milano and can accommodate up to six PoM at the same time. This type of shared accommodation requires a high level of flexibility and mutual respect for common spaces.

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• Logistics: Volunteers will be able to use public transport to get around the city of Milan. Retemilano's clothing and food warehouse is within walking distance of the house.

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• Challenges: Working in Milan can be emotionally and physically demanding. Volunteers may encounter tensions during the stay of certain individuals who have endured long journeys with traumatic events. It is essential to maintain boundaries and adhere to safety protocols. Night shifts can be physically demanding (although people usually sleep). On some occasions, there are tensions between the homeless people being sheltered.  

Team composition: Log/Admin + Protection (Travel Testimonial)

Hand over: This takes place on the day of arrival; the newcomer is asked to arrive at the camp early in the morning; the outgoing coordinator is asked to leave in the afternoon/evening so that they can spend a few hours with the newcomer and introduce them to their new role. 

In this project, the position that needs to be filled is (to be selected, you must commit to two months in the field):

1 POSITION: LOGISTICS/ADMINISTRATION FOCAL POINT

• Support colleagues with logistics: welcome new arrivals, facilitate local documentation in coordination with NNK staff.

• Equipment, facilities, vehicles: ensure that NNK items are used correctly; if not, request replacement/repair.

• Supplies for activities: prevent illegal materials from being stored in the warehouse (e.g. some medicines require a prescription); keep the NNK contact database up to date; in coordination with the team, define food and NFI needs and draw up a purchasing plan in coordination with the monitoring Focal Point, in accordance with the team's budget.

Further information

Selected students will undergo a mandatory validation process with NNK before their final participation. It is advisable to ensure diversity within teams. For this reason, students who know each other may be sent to different locations in order to ensure integration and positive team dynamics.a. 

NNK is a grassroots organisation where highly motivated volunteers (non-profit/junior humanitarian profiles) find their place to gain first-hand experience in the field. Coming to NNK projects is a unique experience, but it is not for everyone. We are looking for conscientious and responsible individuals who can understand the sensitivity of being in the field, dealing with a vulnerable population as well as (in some cases) hostile actors. In the field, we adopt a low profile; we do not seek confrontation with the police, but rather mutual understanding. We are looking for people who are able to adapt to complex situations in which everyone contributes to teamwork (beyond the focal point). 

There is much more information about the organisation, the places where it works, the responsibilities of each position, etc., for those who want to participate in No Name Kitchen projects. Please ask the contact persons at your university for this information before the selection interview if you are interested.

Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers on the border between France and Italy

This project has local support, which means that the social organisation hosting you will be your main point of contact, with occasional support from the university responsible for the project. 

Comillas Pontifical University (María Iglesias Martínez)