BERDZOR, Artsakh—The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA) team with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, Ara Harutyunyan, marked the official launch of the Artsakh Project on Wednesday. The launch of the program in the Republic of Artsakh coincided with the day of the Declaration of Independence of Armenia 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. 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,” said Ara Harutyunyan.

“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 FCHA president Ashot Yeghiazaryan in his opening remarks.

The May 28th launch of the program started with the construction of the symbolic 300th home. The partners joined the Khachatryan family of three helping them build their home.

Lyudvig and his parents lost their home during the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict when their village — Maragha — was invaded by Azeri troops and which still remains under their control. Ludvig has met his future wife in Berdzor, the latter had moved to Berdzor from the city of Masis, Ararat region, in Armenia. The family had to earn their living and build a home at the same time. The Khachatryans managed to build two small rooms during the first 4 years, lived there for a while but soon they sold it and left for earning their living abroad. Later in 2010 the couple returned to their homeland. They managed to buy a half constructed house with only the walls built and the roof installed. They renovated the roof with the support of the municipality. Since then the family has been trying to complete the construction of the half-built house and finally have simple housing conditions.

“The launch of this program is encouraging. Each resident of our town came here with an only 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,” said Lyudvig, the family father.

Thanks to this collaboration, the Khachatryans will have finally completed the construction of their dream home by the end of year. The Khachatryan family house is sponsored by Minakian and Candan families.

Up to now enough funds have been raised from individual donors to sponsor three families to be assisted in the framework of this project.

All Armenians and interested sponsors are encouraged to participate in the Artsakh Project. The completion of a half-built home is $10,500 and 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, USA. Be sure to add “Armenia-Artsakh” in the memo line. Online donations can be made here. All donations from the USA 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 a 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. Up to now the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia has assisted 300 families. For more information, please visit www.fullercenterarmenia.org.