A house built from scratch for a family that had to live in a metal wagon

A house sold to save the lives of two family members, a sad reality of living in a metal wagon, efforts towards building a house that proved futile, and a son who came back from the 44-day war with injuries to the head and spine. The life of the Nersisyan family was not an easy one; however, everything is now in the past. The wish of completing the house construction that started years ago has become a reality owing to the joint housing project implemented by Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia.

Last time, the heads of the partner organizations met the Nersisyans months ago, at the construction site. Despite the large volume of work, the family who has been engaged actively in the house construction from scratch was struggling to get rid of the container rather sooner than later. The major part of the house was built by the family father, craftsman Vahan. Now, when his house construction is completed, he works to finish the construction of his compatriots' houses. Now there will be a garden in the place where the metal wagon once lent from the son’s friend once stood.

“We have gone through a large number of hardships and have solved problems that seemed insurmountable then; however, yet, every hardship that we have gone through has made us stronger. It was an ultimate goal and dream to see my children and grandchildren living under their own roof. I still can't believe that this is a reality,” said Vahan.

The heads of partner organizations visited the town of Ashtarak in Aragatsotn; the purpose of the visit this time was to share the joy of the result together with the homeowners rather than to monitor the construction process.

“This program shapes a fundamental system of values in those who implement it, and those of our compatriots who become homeowners, and that refers happens regardless one’s profession or social position. Those who lend a supportive hand and those reach for it, get a clearer picture of how development happens and start appreciating those achievements. At the core of the system of values is the unity, the understanding that problems have to be solved jointly, and the readiness to be useful with no reward in mind. All these throwing deep roots in one’s conscience the steps taken later get more efficient. And that’s how a country strives,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

''After having gone through many hardships, this family can eventually enjoy the jubilance of living in their own decent home. We are glad that children in the family will not have to live with the burden of homelessness and will enjoy carefree childhood and will have a perspective for a happy future,'' said the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia President, Ashot Yeghiazaryan.

In the near future, the partners of ten years, Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, will resume the volunteering which was interrupted due to the pandemic restrictions. It's important not only in terms of helping the families but also in terms of spreading the idea of solving problems hand in hand.

Viva-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest network reach and spreading a wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the Armenian people interest at heart since its launch on the 1st of July Y2005, and in a short period of time, Viva-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. Viva-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile communications market. The company follows the guidance provided by ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility) and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System). For more information, visit www.mts.am

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ("MTS") is the leading telecommunications group in Russia and the CIS, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world's fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 86.8 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Armenia and Belarus. Since June Y2000, MTS' Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found at: www.mtsgsm.com

Fuller Center for Housing Armenia is a non-governmental, charitable organization that supports community development in the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh by assisting in building and renovating simple, decent and affordable homes, as well as advocating the right to a decent shelter as a matter of conscience and action. FCHA provides long-term, interest-free loans to low-income families. The monthly repayments flow into a Revolving Fund, which is used to help more families, thereby providing a financial foundation for sustainable development. Since 2008 the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia has assisted over 1140  families. For more information, please visit www.fcharmenia.org or email us at [email protected].