While the world is quarantined due to the pandemic, Fuller Center for Housing Armenia was continuing to host Global Builders Volunteer Teams from different parts of the world. This year, in June FCHA hosted the Global Builders volunteer team led by Nicole Simmons to help an Armenian family in need of decent housing.
“This is my third trip with Fuller Center for Housing Armenia and my second time leading a trip. The best days of the trip are always those spent with the family working side by side filling buckets, plastering walls, and sharing bread during breaks. I am overwhelmed by their kindness and strength. Surely I am receiving more than I give as I witness the grace and resourcefulness of the family members. I look forward to many years to come working with the Fuller Center,” said Nicole.
This year the volunteer team of 10 members helped the Avetyan family from Darpas village of Lori region. Till the disastrous earthquake in 1988, Vahram and Anahit lived in Vahram’s parents’ house with his parents, children, and sister’s family. Then, after the earthquake, the family moved to live in a temporary shelter, as the house was damaged to the 4th emergency state. As the temporary shelter was small for the family and lacked basic housing conditions they moved again to the house although there was a danger of collapse. During the years, Vahram partially renovated the house but couldn’t afford to build a new one for the family.
In 2020, owing to the partnership between FCHA and the RA government, the Avetyans started to build their own home, and very soon they will have a large and safe house with all housing conditions.
“I work hard to create proper conditions for my family, but the monthly income is hardly enough to care for the everyday needs. It was a dream to have a safe home but very soon it will become a reality,” shared Vahram.
Volunteering with us, it’s not only building homes. It’s also about having fun. Our Global Builders volunteer team, led by Nicole Simmons, enjoying their rafting time!
