Description
Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, thousands of people were left homeless in the city of Gyumri. Many of these families took refuge in the overseas shipping containers (domiks) that were shipped into Armenia loaded with humanitarian relief supplies. Although more than a quarter century has passed since the earthquake, this depressive reality still remains. Currently, more than 1,800 families still live in domiks scattered throughout Gyumri in extreme poverty. Many of them are unable to provide for their familys’ needs including warm clothes, nutritious food, heat and electricity for their homes and other basic necessities.
During his visit to Armenia two summers ago Dustin Hochmuth, one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 participants, and several of his peers, witnessed these horrible conditions and decided to assemble packets for 10 families in dire need of everyday necessities and non-perishable food items. This effort was led by one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 coordinators, Stephanie Nersesyan. Following the success of that effort, Dustin decided to return to Armenia the following year on the SERVICE Armenia 2018 trip and spearhead his own project providing similar packets of necessities to 100 families in desperate need. Dustin helped raise the funds needed and with his  SERVICE Armenia 2018 peers spent several days purchasing, assembling and distributing the packets of food to family in Gyumri.
Dustin has decided to take on this effort again this year. His goal is to raise enough funds to help 50 families this summer. Each packet will cost $30 and will include basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as rice, flour, sugar, salt, oil, and pasta. The packets will also include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and canned meats. Once in Armenia, Dustin will again lead the group throughout the implementations of the project starting with shopping for the items, assembling the packets and distributing the packets themselves to families in need. Donations in any amount will help this important cause.
The Need
In the short term, 50 families will receive packets filled with basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items and fresh food items.
Short Term Impact
As funding becomes available, homes with the greatest need for repairs will be addressed in a priority manner. Reconstruction materials will be purchased locally and the work will be completed with local labor crews.
Long Term Impact
In long term, the Armenian diaspora will be exposed to the harsh living conditions in Gyumri through this important project.
Sponsors Benefits
All project sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation’s website. The Paros Foundation can arrange a visit to Gyumri when you are in Armenia.
Our Donors (15)
- Mr. Greg Busche & Mrs. Sally Thoman $100 May 13, 2019
- Mr. Donald La Plante $50 May 13, 2019
- Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Rebekah Farber $100 Apr 14, 2019
Updates: Images & Information
SERVICE Armenia 2019, Dustin Hochmuth, Med-Aid ARMENIA 2019 participants, Paros staff and Shirak Center NGO staff spent the day visiting families living in “domiks” to distribute food packets. They got the chance to meet and get to know some of the families. Another successful distribution!
SERVICE Armenia 2019, Dustin Hochmuth, Paros staff and a few volunteers and guests arrived in Gyumri to complete assembling the food packs. Tomorrow, they will be joined by Med-Aid ARMENIA 2019 participants and will spend the day in Gyumri along with the Shirak Center NGO distributing the food packs to families in need.
Â
SERVICE Armenia 2019, joined by Dustin Hochmuth, volunteers and guests, began the process of assembling 50 food packs.