Viva-MTS: A problem of 16 years solved. The semi-constructed building is now a memory

Two rooms without partition walls, lack of facilities, roof completely damaged by enemy shelling, a semi-built building almost in the open-air... It's about sixteen years that one of the families in Tavush village of Tavush region has been living in such conditions. The Galstyans, of course, have tried to improve the conditions of the half-built building; they initiated a partial renovation, added a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, but could not finish what they had started. Years later, another problem was added to the financial ones: the young homeowner Wilhelm, a military serviceman, lost his left leg in a mine explosion in 2015.

The collapse of the dilapidated building under the sun and rain is now prevented. Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, the partners implementing a housing project, supported the young family in making it a home. The partners of many years have fulfilled the dream of one more family.

"It used to be a half-ruined house. Years ago, a neighbor's house and the roof of our half-built building were damaged from shells. When it rained, we put pots, but the rain and snow were leaking into the house. Now everything is different. The semi-built building has become a house,” said the homeowner, Wilhelm Babayan.

The Galstyans had the opportunity to leave the country to earn their daily bread abroad, but they considered it a temporary solution to the situation. Living in their homeland, being the owner of their own land was a matter of principal for them. Today they have set another goal of discovering the potential of their children and creating opportunities for their development and education. The new house gave them a basis for optimism.

“Goals are achievable, where there is commitment and resistance to hardships of life. When I met you for first time, I noticed that neither the hardships you have been through for many years, nor the loss of a limb at the war have been able to change you. Your strength, your willpower and optimism have turned into a light to guide you all the way to making your dream come true. Stay strong, keep your home and your native village standing,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said during the video call.

The partners implementing the housing program for over ten years, Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia record desired results in different regions of the country. The families who became homeowners in the last year's program celebrate a housewarming, and this year's beneficiaries sign contracts with the desire to see their dreams come true. This year it is planned to support 84 families. There are families on the list who have to start the difficult task of building a house for the third time due to circumstances.