Liana Grigoryan’s family is another victim of the ruinous earthquake. The family consists of Liana (32), her husband Arsen (41), mother-in-law Marietta (65) and her children Marine (5) and Grisha (4). Marietta is a pensioner and takes care of the children and the household as well. Arsen is a construction worker, but does not have a permanent job. Liana is a teacher and is employed in the nearest school.
After the disastrous earthquake their house was no longer habitable and they had to build a shack with their own hands. There was no compensation from the government and the family suffered for years trying to survive. Years passed one after the other when they started the renovation process to get rid of the shack. For many years the family has been trying to gradually improve housing conditions, still there is a lot to do to make it a decent home. Currently the house completely lacks kitchen and bathroom system. The roofing and the windows are among urgent things to be renovated. The house is very humid; in the result Marietta and Arsen suffer from radiculitis.
Marietta says, “We are pleased to have an opportunity to partner with Habitat. This is really a huge support for us to have minimum leaving conditions and eliminate consequences of the earthquake once and for all.”
Tatoul has a steady, although not high income from her job. The family also owns lands and orchards and makes the ends meet by working on the land. The rent they paid for the old home was a burden on the family, as it did not allow them to complete their half built home. Thanks to the affordable Habitat loan, the family rapidly completed their home and moved in. Now it uses the money for the rent to pay back the loan. The family now also saves money on heating the new home, which is a sunny and dry place.
The total income the family earns is too low for them to live on and renovate the house all at once. Liana is paid a basic salary at school, while Arsen’s job is seasonal. Marieta’s pension does not even cover her treatment expenses. Only an affordable Habitat loan could break up the cycle and give a flash of hope for a better future.
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