The Ambassador of the United States of America in Armenia joined Fuller Center for Housing Armenia Global Builders international volunteers’ team from New Jersey to build a house with the Arshakyan family in Haytagh Community, Armavir region.
Arshakyans have two teenage children who don’t know what it feels like to have their own home. The half-built construction that the family owns was started 10 years ago and is still incomplete. “It is hard to complete construction of a home and at the same time care for a family”, said Ashot, the father.
The idea of serving those in need of housing brought together volunteers from all parts of the world. The assistance of embassy personnel and overseas volunteers helps the families to re-discover their hope for a better future and become full community members. Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch led a group of U.S. Embassy volunteers, together with 12 compatriots from New Jersey, to assist the Arshakyans with their house construction. They joined forces for a day to make a difference in the life of an average Armenian family in need of housing. “What is special about this project is the combination of the volunteerism, what that means is that when we work together we can solve any problem. I think all of us will agree that the housing is the basic need, many of us would say it is the basic right”: said the Ambassador.
“We apprecia
te the Ambassador’s willingness to join us in our mission. For families living in need for so long it is very important to feel the support of individuals who care about their basic rights, like having a place where they can raise their children and make plans for a decent future,” mentioned Ashot Yeghiazaryan, the President of Fuller Center for Housing Armenia.
“I have been building with such families during the last 6 years, at first as a team member, now as a team leader. Each time, I see how important our contribution is for a family who dreamed of owning their own home. Each time I can feel how these families are inspired and filled with happiness seeing that there are many people all over the world caring about their needs and ready to help them.” said Leo Manualian, the team leader.” I am sure that the children, seeing the Ambassador at the site working shoulder to shoulder with the team members, and their family as well, will accept the credo to help and be responsible for those in need in the future.”
