Building homes, communities

COMMUNITY PROFILES

Khachik Village, Vayots Dzor region

Khachik village, which is one of the strategically most important communities in Armenia because of its location close to the border, is facing an enormous housing need. Up to 87% of houses in the community can be classified as insecure, substandard, unhealthy houses. This leaves the majority of families subject to the hazard of gradual homelessness. According to data collected from Khachik Municipality and Vayots Dzor region municipality, housing is a major priority for the community: there are about 204 houses in Khachik out of which 179 are clay, earth-walled houses with 3rd, 4th and 5th emergency conditions. Some of these houses are very old, dating back to the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century. Next to this, about 100 families live in overcrowded apartments and 8-10 families live in the school and hospital buildings in abject conditions. Approximately 130 families need new homes, while another 120 families need renovations. Because of housing need, a number of families prefer to leave for a nearby town and rent an apartment there. As mentioned in the assessment of Regional Solutions Ltd, “housing is becoming a big issue for sustaining the community”. The solution of the housing problem is vital for the livelihood of the community, as homelessness will force the remaining 1100 population, especially the youth contingent, to migrate from the village. The clay and earth houses are very damp, which creates unfavorable conditions for health leaving residents prone to various diseases. Besides, for many of the 46 houses of 4^th emergency condition, there is always the hazard that the house can collapse on the family.

Khor Virap is a close-to-border village in Ararat region, near Khor Virap Monastery.

Like many other villages in Armenia, this community faces a number of development problems, among which housing is one of the highest priorities. According to the data provided by the village municipality, more than 400 families need a house.

10 families live in metal containers, others in unfinished houses, basements, or in overcrowded conditions. Housing problem is one of the reasons why many young people are discouraged to get married (there are 70 unmarried men and women over 30 in the village), form a family, and have children promoting the growth of nation.

Many families in the village have started houses in this village, but they need external assistance to be able to complete them.

The local authorities of the village have committed co-investment from the village budget for every house built their community.

Lusaghbyur, Lori region

Formerly known as Smaverdi, Lusaghbyur was founded in 1828-1830 by Armenians forcibly moved from Mush and Basen. 

Lusaghbyur has been destructed during the earthquake of 1988. Since then many families have been living in substandard housing conditions. 

Agriculture and animal husbandry are main sources of employment in the village. Wheat, barley and perennial herbs are the main crops. The community produces grain, milk and meat. Some of the goods are sold at the Gyumri market, but the village needs processing facilities in order to avoid loss of produce. Seasonal variations and the lack of irrigation keep villagers from cultivating high value crops.

(Economic Information Source: http://www.himnadram.org/villages/communities)