BERDZOR, Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR)—On May 28, the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA) marked the official launch of its Artsakh (Karabagh) project with the prime minister of the Republic of Artsakh, Ara Harutyunyan.
The launch coincided with the Independence of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, as well as the launch of the FCHA’s 300th house construction. “It is symbolic that we launch such a wonderful project on this day, which shows the development of liberated Berdzor,” said Harutyunyan. “Thanks to the Fuller project and its donors for this chance. I’m looking forward to seeing quick expansion of this program in Artsakh, with the support of the government.”
“May is a month of victories for our nation. May the symbolism have its impact on the project, too, and may it be a prosperous and contagious one with more families assisted,” said Ashot Yeghiazaryan, FCHA president, in his opening remarks.
The event began with the construction of the symbolic 300th home for the Khachatryan family of three. Lyudvig had lost the home he shared with his parents during the Nagorno-Karabagh War, when their village, Maragha, was invaded by the Azeris; it remains under their control to this day. Ludvig met his wife in Berdzor, Artsakh; she had moved there from the city of Masis in the Ararat region of Armenia. The couple struggled to earn a living and build a home at the same time. They managed to build two small rooms during their first four years in Artsakh, but sold it soon afterwards and left the republic to live abroad. In 2010, they returned to their homeland. The couple managed to buy a half-constructed house with only the walls built and the roof installed, and renovated the roof with the support of the municipality.
“The launch of this program is encouraging,” said Lyudvig. “Each resident of our town came here with a dream to build and strengthen our land, and we all still believe in it. Your support will make us stronger in our dreams and we will continue working hard to create a better future for the coming generation.”
The Khachatryans’ home is slated to be complete by the end of year. It is being sponsored by the Minakian and Candan families. Enough funds have so far been raised from individual donors to sponsor homes for three families.
Armenians and interested sponsors are encouraged to participate in the Artsakh project. The completion of a half-built home is $10,500; a renovation project is $2,900. To join this new movement, please send your donation to the Fuller Center for Housing, Inc., PO Box 523, Americus, Georgia 31709. Be sure to add “Armenia-Artsakh” in the memo line. Online donations can be made by visiting http://weblink.donorperfect.com/armenia_artsakh. All donations from the U.S. are tax-deductible.
The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia is a non-governmental, charitable organization that supports community development in the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh by assisting in building and renovating simple, decent, and affordable homes, as well as advocating the right to decent shelter as a matter of conscience and action. FCHA provides long-term, interest-free loans to low-income families. The monthly repayments flow into a Revolving Fund, which is used to help more families, thereby providing a financial foundation for sustainable community development. For more information, visit www.fullercenterarmenia.org or e-mail fcarmenia@fullercenterarmenia.org.
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