Armenia Fund
The Humanitarian Fundraising Worldwide Organization for Peace OMPP WOFP is proud to announce that it has been selected by The Union of Communities Armenia to help achieve its humanitarian mission.
- Project: Sustainable Housing Solutions for Vulnerable Communities in Gyumri and Tashir, Armenia
- Project Proposal: Prepared by the Union of Communities of Armenia (UCA).
The Government of Armenia supports the project as a humanitarian and construction priority
“On behalf of the ministry of territorial administration and infrastructure of the republic of armenia we are pleased to extend our full support to the humanitarianinitiative undertaken by the union of communities of armenia in close partnership with the municipalities of gyumri, shirak province , and Tshir , lori province. the initiative is aimed at improving the living conditions of displaced and vulnerable families by providing acces to safe housing and supporting community based development efforts. The project is aligned with our national priorities for resilience, balanced territorial development, and inclusive social policy.. Acordingly, we hereby authorize and fully empower mr. emin yeritsyan, decretarygeneral of the union of communities of armenia to officialy represent the initiative to the world organization for peace (ompp wofp) and the engage in all necessary dialogues to mobilize financial and technical support in accordance with the legal and strategic frameworks of the republic of armenia. this letter serves as an official endorsement of the initiative and confirme that the ministry deems the project as a matter of national humanitarian and infrastructure significance. we thank you for your attention and support , and we remain available for further cordination as needed during the implementation process”
Targeted Project Outcomes
1,287 families
85% of households
100% of buildings
Project Justification
The proposed project addresses the critical need for safe housing for vulnerable families in Gyumri and Tashir, Armenia.
In September 2023, following a large-scale military offensive by Azerbaijan, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians—virtually the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)—were forcibly displaced from their homeland. This rapid and traumatic exodus, coupled with ethnic cleansing, left families without shelter, livelihoods, or security. Most sought refuge in Armenia, straining the country’s already limited housing and social services.
Thousands of displaced families remain in overcrowded or substandard housing.
In the project’s beneficiary communities of Gyumri and Tashir, there are nearly 1,300 displaced families, placing further pressure on local infrastructure.
The proposed program seeks to provide a long-term solution, providing not only housing but also a new level of urban development and community integration.
Selection Criteria
• Families in “domics,” basements, or semi-destroyed buildings: These are the long-term residents of temporary housing, often victims of the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake.
• Families displaced from Artsakh: specifically those residing in Tashir in temporarily rented or semi-constructed houses that lack adequate services.
• Socially vulnerable families in border communities: This includes families with several children, single-parent households, the elderly, and people with disabilities
The Role of Local Authorities
The municipalities of Gyumri and Tashir will play a key role in maintaining basic services, including allocating land (20 ha in Gyumri and 4 ha in Tashir), issuing building permits, ensuring uninterrupted access to water, sewage, and waste collection, as well as routine maintenance of roads and public spaces. In case of technical difficulties, municipal support will be available for interventions related to community infrastructure. All of these activities will ensure consistent service delivery and strengthen local ownership.
Project start date: 2025.
- Expected project completion date: 2028 (total 30 months).
- Total estimated project cost: $174,731,124.14 *
Project details are attached, Download Here
The Union of Communities Armenia
1. Promoting Democracy and Local Decentralization
Since its establishment in 1997, The Union of Communities Armenia has been the unified voice of Armenia’s 502 rural and urban municipalities, strongly promoting the development of local self-governance. It has advocated for key legal reforms, improved administrative capacities in local governments, and greater financial and political autonomy for communities with a potential three million Armenian beneficiaries.
2. International Representation and Recognition
The Union of Communities Armenia gained international recognition by becoming a member of the EnergyCities network in 2017, representing Armenia at the European level on issues of energy transition and sustainability. Additionally, it has coordinated the implementation of initiatives such as the European Charter of Local Self-Governance and the Covenant of Mayors – the Alliance of Mayors, integrating European governance and energy standards.
3. Capacity building and community projects
The Union of Communities Armenia has led numerous programs and conferences to enhance local capacities and promote sustainable development.
