Community Living for Older Refugees
Description
The town of Goris is located in Armenia’s Syunik Region with a population of 17,113. Following the mass exodus from Artsakh in September 2023, many refugees have settled in this border community.Â
One particularly vulnerable group in Armenia are older Artsakh refugees. Most of them do not have families to look after them and they are left to fend for themselves. The Paros Foundation is excited to launch a new effort to provide permanent housing for older Artsakh refugees with the purchase of a home in Verishen, Armenia which is adjacent to Goris.Â
It will serve as a group home for older refugees to offer them a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to live dignified lives. Ten residents will be selected from older refugees currently living in Goris. The project will be administered in coordination with the local Goris government and renovations on the home will be starting in the coming weeks.Â
The home has a large footprint that will provide both communal and private living spaces in addition to a large plot of land with fruit trees and garden spaces. The home even has a chicken coop should the future residents care to keep chickens! It is envisioned that the home will be equipped with both solar hot water systems and solar panels to keep utility costs low.Â
While the home has already been purchased, complete renovations, furniture and appliances will cost an additional $60,000. Â
This is the newest housing project in a series of successful permanent housing that The Paros Foundation has purchased and renovated for Artsakh refugees including three in Geghamasar, two in Meds Masrik, two in Vardenis, one in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, four in Kajaran, and 10 new homes that are being built in the village of Qeti. With this addition, The Paros Foundation continues to assist refugees of every age, building not just homes, but communities where they can restart their lives.
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Gallery Images
The Need
Many older refugees are struggling to make a living and afford safe housing. Older refugees need clean, safe, and comfortable housing to live dignified lives.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, work will be done to renovate this home. The local economy will benefit as materials and labor will be secured locally whenever possible.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, refugees will not have to worry about how they will afford to live. They will be able to live comfortably with other older refugees.Â
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
Ms. Taline Baltayan
Toronto, CanadaMs. Lisa Melian
Cherry Hill, NJMs. Marilyn Karnig
Northfield, ILKM
AustraliaAnonymous
Watertown, MAMrs. Sandra Riley
Ashburn, VAMr. Haig Balian
Las Vegas, NVMr. Philip Donian
San Francisco, CAMs. Hermineh Pakhanians
Glendale, CAThe Zadoorians
United StatesUpdates: Images & Information
Our Paros team visited Verishen, the site where the Community Living Home will be built. During the visit, they successfully planned and finalized the construction layout. Once completed, this home will accommodate 10 elderly Artsakh refugees, offering them a sense of community and belonging.