Housewarming in Gyumri thirty years after the devastating earthquake

The Hovhannisyan family from Gyumri has lived in a wooden self-made shelter for three decades after the devastating earthquake of 1988. The father of the large family, Martin, like many of his compatriots, has tried to find a solution, when he realized that it was nearly impossible to move from the temporary shelter into a new house. However, his attempts to make the deteriorated shelter look like a house also failed. The Hovhannisyans were not able to build a new house because of poor social conditions. It took three decades to build only the walls and the roof. The temporary wooden shelter, turned into a permanent residence, was the only option left.

The spring of the current year brought good news to the Hovhannisyan family: they were involved in the housing project of the partnering organizations, VivaCell-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia. The teams, united through volunteerism, started the construction of the house with Marat, making his dream a reality. The heads of the supporting organizations were hosted in the new house that has all conveniences.

“For years I have worked to create normal conditions for my family, but couldn’t succeed. I tried to make the wooden shelter look like a house, but still it remained a temporary shelter with cold and rotten from moisture floors. Decades have passed, my children have already formed their own families, but almost nothing has changed. I have never been afraid of difficulties, but I was afraid that my sons would leave their Homeland, and my home would be ruined without even being built. Thanks to your support, not only my house has been built, but also my family has been united. Thank you so much,” said the family father Martin.

“In any undertaking, one should have a point of support. For someone, hope is such a point of support, for another – determination, for the third one –willpower. It does not matter what is the strength one relies on while moving towards the realization of the dreams. The main thing is to have that point of support. For us as a company it is important to become such a point of support for our compatriots. I am glad to state that as a result of our partnership with “Fuller Center for Housing” Armenia, just another family has overcome the longstanding problem and can look to the future with a bright smile,” said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.

“It’s sad that the housing problem still exists thirty years after the earthquake. People living here, are truly an example of determination, endurance and strength not to leave the Homeland. It's a real happiness to share the joy of housewarming with this family that has endured difficulties for many years, but is still full of optimism,” said “Fuller Center for Housing” Armenia President Ashot Yeghiazaryan.

The Hovhannisyans are no longer concerned about the frosty winter that is specific to the area. Moreover, they are looking forward to celebrating the New Year in the new home.