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 last summer 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 has decided to return to Armenia this summer on the SERVICE Armenia 2018 trip and spearhead his own project to provide similar packets to more families in desperate need.
Dustin is leading the effort to raise enough funds to help 75 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 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.
Gallery Images
The Need
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.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, 75 families will receive packets filled with basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items and fresh food items.
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 (31)
- Mr. Steve Cauffman $100 May 29, 2018
- Mr. & Mrs. Razmik & Suzanne Abnous $150 May 21, 2018
- Dale Vaznaian $100 May 21, 2018
- Ms. Evelyn Surrency Williams $100 May 20, 2018
- Dr. & Mrs. Richard & Anoush Dekmejian $250 May 20, 2018
- Dr. & Mrs. Armen & Alina Vartany $250 May 19, 2018
- Ms. Stephanie Nersesyan $40 May 19, 2018
- Ms. Elaine Mosesian $150 May 19, 2018
- Anonymous $200 May 19, 2018
- Ms. Gloria Sefton $50 May 19, 2018
- Mr. & Mrs. Ara & Nayad Nersesyan $100 May 19, 2018
- Anonymous $30 May 18, 2018
Updates: Images & Information
SERVICE Armenia 2018 and Paros staff spent the day in Gyumri along with the Shirak Center NGO distributing the food packs to families in need. Day one was very successful! The group will continue their hard work tomorrow as well.
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With the funding goal met, Dustin and his SERVICE Armenia 2018 peers began the process of purchasing and assembling 100 food packs.
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The goal has been met ! Funding to help 75 families has been raised through Dustin’s hard work & efforts and our generous supporters. In the spirit of helping more families, we have all decided to increase the budget and aim to help a total of 100 families this summer !
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