An update on our booming work in Armenia from The Armenian Reporter.

The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia began its partnership with the Fuller Center in 2008. Since that time, they have served over 200 families in 11 communities, with numerous Global Builder teams travelling there to volunteer. Propose a trip now or learn more about joining a trip on our Global Builders page.

The group is continually expanding to new regions of Armenia. The recent blessing of the Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Church, His Holiness Karekin II, will greatly help propel their efforts. 

Fuller Center Armenia is also partnering with the International Committee of the Red Cross to assist eight disadvantaged families in the Tavush district to rehabilitate their houses. The families will receive no-profit, no-interest loans that will be paid back over an extended period. See a brochure that describes the program.

Visit the Fuller Center Armenia’s own site here: fullercenterarmenia.org.

BACKGROUND
The UNECE reported that about five percent of Armenia’s families do not have permanent housing. Many live in metal shipping containers called "domics." Many other families began building a house they were not able to finish after a sudden economic downturn hit in the 1990s and often live in the basements of such houses. Other problems often seen include absestos, leaky roofs, overcrowding, lack of sanitation and lack of heating systems. Click here to see pictures of The Fuller Center's work in Armenia.

PLANS
These are all problems FCH Armenia helps to fix by building new homes, finishing half-built houses or completing repairs through the Greater Blessing program. The safe, simple, comfortable homes, are renovated or built with and for low-income families in Armenia. FCH Armenia offers partnering families long-term, interest-free loans. The monthly repayments flow into a "revolving fund" and are used to help more families, thereby providing the financial foundation for a sustainable community development effort. In general, FCH Armenia also works to advocate the right to decent shelter.

GOALS
The Fuller Center of Armenia is always looking to help more people. Currently, they have offices in Yerevan and Vanadzor to facilitate the work being done in 33 communities. The choice of communities is based on need for housing as well as the willingness of the community to start a partnership. Project "Building on Faith," a partnership with the Armenian Church, will result in 37 houses built throughout Armenia.

Global Builders trips to Armenia are scheduled regularly. Please click here for more information. You may also send an e-mail to: fcarmenia@fullercenterarmenia.org