Description
Gyumri is Armenia’s second largest city with the poorest population, including single mothers and the elderly. Following the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake, in which more than 25,000 people lost their lives and more than 100,000 people were left homeless, Gyumri’s residents did whatever they could to find temporary shelter. This included moving into “domiks,” the overseas shipping containers in which earthquake related humanitarian goods were shipped to Armenia. 24 years following the earthquake, about 4,000 poverty stricken families remain in various forms of temporary housing. In addition to inadequate housing, unemployment and rampant poverty, Gyumri’s people are also faced with extreme winters.
The harsh winters and extreme poverty lead to people picking through trash to find something that they can burn to keep warm and cook food for their families. Due to the intense cold weather and toxic fumes, children often get sick and are unable to attend school.
This effort will ensure that 90 families in Gyumri will receive fuel for heating and cooking through firewood for month’s period. Our partner for this project, Shirak Center NGO, will help distribute the firewood to the families.
Gallery Images
The Need
Freezing temperatures and extreme poverty have created a humanitarian crisis in Gyumri’s “Domik” neighborhoods. About 1800 families live in “domiks,” while about 2000 live in condemned buildings leaving them no choice but to burn anything they can for heat. Toxic fumes bellow from smoke stacks as residents burn trash, plastic bottles and old shoes in an effort to stay warm and cook a simple meal for their families. The extreme cold coupled with the toxic fumes contributes to children become sick and not attending school.
Short Term Impact
90 families will receive fuel in the form of firewood to help them get through the winter. The fuel from the firewood can be used for heating and cooking for a month. All humanitarian materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus providing a boost to the local economy.
Long Term Impact
By providing a less toxic and more reliable form of heating, it is hopeful there will be less illness among the communities. This will help children keep up with their studies and not have to miss school due to colds and sicknesses. Additionally Paros is hopeful that press materials related to this project will lead to greater public awareness of this problem and thus a broad based approach to solving this crisis.
Sponsors Benefits
Project sponsors will be recognized on the Paros Foundation website and in all press materials related to this project.
Our Donors (7)
- Ms. Elise Yacoubian $100 Feb 2, 2015
- Mr. Robert Karayan $200 Jan 21, 2015
- Mr. & Dr. John & Ani Kedeshian $100 Dec 31, 2014
- Ms. Nancy R. Kolligian $100 Dec 28, 2014
- Mr. & Mrs. Mihran & Elizabeth Agbabian $150 Dec 21, 2014
- Mr. Stephan Zeytountsian $1,000 Dec 16, 2014
- Mr. Robert Davidian $10 Dec 15, 2014
Updates: Images & Information
Distributions to families in need were completed by the Shirak Centre, NGO. Our sincere appreciation to the Shirak Centre staff and volunteers who made this project possible.