Ushi Needs Angels

My name is Eliza, and I need you. You and I have an opportunity, today, to be a guiding light for someone else and make a long-lasting impact.

A recent visit to the village of Ushi, just 30 minutes outside of the bustling city of Yerevan, Armenia, revealed the dichotomies found within this beautiful country. It is a tourist's haven during summer months but most don't see the suffering that surrounds it. I met with Varouj, a humble man who had recently lost his wife, and is left caring for his two children alone. My heart ached for them as I walked through their home. Chronic mold contamination, holes in the walls, no central heat or indoor plumbing, a decrepit outhouse for a bathroom and a rusted outdoor grill for a kitchen, broken cement stairs leading from one room to another, and worst of all, I saw the damage of long term malnutrition and mold toxicity. At 25 years old their beautiful daughter, Varduhi, is no more developed in size or maturity than my 11 year old is today. Varouj is left with limited work opportunities in such a small village, and all three are plagued with one illness or another.

My hope is to add safety and joy to this family's life but I can't do that without your help. After meeting with the head of the village and consulting with a team that would lead the groundwork, it's been determined that renovating the home to fit suitable living conditions would cost around $8,000.

Renovations include: cleaning mold contamination, running pipes for indoor plumbing and gas, adding a small bathroom and kitchen, and providing the family with a washing machine, pots/pans, and some food.

In connection and collaboration with Anahid Keshishian, former UCLA professor and current Yerevan resident, as well as Martin Martirosyan, Ushi's head official, funds are ensured directly to the renovation efforts of the Sargsyan family home. The Sargsyans have not reached out for help, but rather we have come together from our very different backgrounds to provide, heal, and care for our own. Before and after pictures will gladly be provided for donors who wish to leave an email for contact as evidence of a good deed accomplished.

Any amount you can spare would be appreciated, and we want you to know that every dollar leaves a meaningful mark. From all of us involved in this project, we thank you for your time and donation, and most of all, for passing this along to others who may contribute the same. Blessings to you and yours.