Home Repair for Border Families

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is an important border village with a population of 1,380 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community, whose territory connects with Azerbaijan, lives and works under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict each day. NKA was the single most damaged Armenian village following the Azeri conflict in the 1990’s. The economy of the village and the livelihood of many of its residents have suffered due to these difficult and dangerous times. Furthermore, 70% of their fertile land is unusable because of frequent sniper attacks. Many homes have been damaged and worn out over the years and are in need of partial renovations and repairs, including, indoor plumbing, new windows, doors and floors, roof repairs, new heating systems, and even room additions. The village is economically strained and families are in need of additional aid to care for their families, homes and livelihood.

Sponsorship of this project will help provide 2 families ($5,000 each family) with materials, technical expertise and/or the necessary labor in order to complete specific renovation projects to their homes. It is of strategic importance to support these villagers in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan.

Arman Lalayan works as a contract soldier and he and his wife and two children live in a home they purchased last year. Arman has replaced a small portion of the roof over the small part of the home they currently occupy. Last year, we supported their home needs with helping replace the rest of the roof, new doors and a window. Arman wishes to continue improving his home by replacing the rest of his windows, building a new bathroom and completing his interior renovation.  This will allow Arman and his family to live in a warmer and safer home.

Ara Sharyan is also a contract soldier and works two weeks per month guarding Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan.  Ara and his wife have two children.  Ara began expanding his home and needs assistance completing the work.  He needs a new roof, interior block work, a new bathroom added to his home and interior remodel of his new livingroom.