Description
Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, tens of 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, or in condemned buildings. An entire generation of children has grown up in deplorable conditions, often times with no running water and little or no heat. The Armenian government has provided most of the families that lost their homes in the Earthquake with new housing units.
As people moved out of those makeshift housing units, others moved in. The 2,500 families that remain are Gyumri’s desolate families, who are not in line to receive a government provided apartment. Many of these families are comprised of single mothers, multiple children and/or the disabled. This is a sustainable model in that families that have been moved into permanent housing in the past have had a high degree of success maintaining their families and their new homes.
The Yeghiazaryan family has been identified and screened as a family to benefit from a new apartment. Â Ashot, his wife Ruzan, and their children Arthur and Anna live in terrible conditions. Â During the rains, their domik fills with water from the surrounding area. Â Ashot works in Gyumri’s central market, hauling purchases for customers. Â Anna, suffers from mental illness and her mother cares for her full time. The Yeghiazaryan family is not on any list to receive an apartment as their family did not loose a home in the earthquake.
Once the move is complete, the make shift housing unit will be dismantled to prevent its future occupancy, and the land returned to the city.
Gallery Images
The Need
2,500 families live in the city of Gyumri in temporary, make shift housing. These units are neither safe nor sanitary. These families and their children need a normal apartment in which to live.
Short Term Impact
As soon as this project is funded, a two bedroom apartment will be purchased for the Yeghiazaryan family. The make shift housing unit which they currently occupy will be dismantled and materials recycled following their move.
Long Term Impact
In addition to this family and their improved mental state changing through the fact that they will be living in a normal housing situation, the city of Gyumri itself will improve with the removal of these make shift housing units. This move will also help Anna with a safer and more secure environment in which to live.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation’s website.
Our Donors (56)
- Anita Shenian $100 Nov 27, 2018
- Mr. Dikran Samourkashian $1,000 Nov 10, 2018
- Mrs. Ann K. Sarafian $50 Nov 1, 2018
- Ms. Caroline Prijatel Sutton $20 Oct 28, 2018
- Ms. Patti Haig $200 Oct 27, 2018
- Ms. Daisy Cunanan-Manginsay $20 Oct 27, 2018
- Ms. Diana Chalumyan $50 Oct 27, 2018
- Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Linda Cirella $100 Oct 27, 2018
- Ms. Janet Diel $5 Oct 27, 2018
- Ms. Linda Howard $50 Oct 27, 2018
- Mr. Shahen Hairapetian & Mrs. Arax Mansourian $1,000 Oct 21, 2018
- Mrs. Arsine Phillips $50 Oct 2, 2018
Updates: Images & Information
The Yeghiazaryan Family moves into their new apartment!