82 HOUSES BUILT IN ARMENIA WITH HFH SUPPORT

YEREVAN, AUGUST 24. ARMINFO. During a press-conference today the
Diocesan Legate of the Ecumenical Office of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern Diocese) Bishop Vicken Aykazyan and the President of
Habitat for Humanity Michigan Rev Ken Bensen shared the results of
their meeting with His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos and Supreme
Patriarch of All Armenians during which the partnership possibilities
among Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity International and the
Worldwide Armenian Church were discussed.

Habitat for Humanity Armenia is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity
International and supports community development in the Republic of
Armenia by assisting in the construction and renovation of simple,
decent and affordable homes. The purpose of the organization is to
help families in need improve their living conditions,m to raise funds
to support the vital work and to give hope to thousands of people
across the country. The organization was formed in Mar of 2002 and to
date has dedicated 82 homes and given shelter to 473 people.

Benson said that the selected target of HFH Armenia is families living
substandard,m over-crowded and unacceptable;e living quarters. This
group comprises more than 50-60% of the country’s current
population. These families are unable to purchase their won homes as
they do not have sufficient income to save to pay for the entire house
cost up front nor can they risk and would they be eligible for a
high-interest loan from a commercial lender.

Middle-income families are given no-interest loan – up to $10,000 for
20 years. $222,000 will be allocated this year for the construction of
40 houses and $300,000 more in 2005 under the direction of the former
US president Jim Carter.