Gavar, Armenia: September 1-10, 2006

Join the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians in the Build on Faith event to be held in His name in Armenia. The build will take place in northern Armenia, near Lake Sevan. During just one week, volunteers will build homes alongside future Habitat homeowner families from the community. The goal is to complete 37 homes, symbolizing each Armenian Diocese and one for the Holy See, representing the Catholicos of all Armenians.

About Armenia
A land of rugged mountains, extinct volcanoes and fast-running rivers, Armenia is the smallest of the former Soviet republics. It gained independence in 1991 but has since been a nation occupied with social and economic reform. Despite ongoing economic hardship, in recent years the Armenian government has had some success cutting inflation and fostering the privatization of many enterprises. But income levels and unemployment remain critical issues, as nearly 50 percent of Armenians live in poverty. As a result, many Armenians cannot afford satisfactory housing and remain heavily dependent on remittances from relatives abroad to meet their basic needs.

HFH Armenia was formed in March 2000 in Yerevan, the capital city. Armenian Habitat is using several approaches to helping families solve their housing problems. In an effort to keep building costs at a minimum, a readily available indigenous stone known as toof is used in house construction. 

Itinerary
September 1-3 Arrival

September 4 Opening Ceremonies

September 5-8 Work on the site

September 9 Closing Ceremony and House Dedication

September 9 or 10 Departure

Accommodation
The team will be accommodated for 2 days in a Yerevan 4-star hotel and 6 nights in a hotel near Gavar. The hotels will be chosen based on availability. The breakfast and dinner will be eaten at the hotel and lunch on the site.

If you wish to stay on in Armenia or Yerevan after the Build Week, HFH Armenia will make recommendations of local tour agencies for teams to make their individual arrangements.

Cost
The work trip to Armenia costs US$1,700 per person. This price includes ground transportation, accommodation for 8 nights, meals, cultural activities, traveler’s medical insurance, participation in the event’s opening and dedication ceremonies and a donation to the local affiliate, excluding airfare, visa and exit fees. Participants will need to obtain a visa and to arrange and pay for transportation from their point of departure to Armenia. Visas for EU and American citizens can be obtained at the airport upon arrival. The team leader will refer members to a travel agent who has arranged for discounted mission contract rates for the team. Team members wishing to use frequent flyer miles or travel independently may do so.

For more information or to sign up, write to CatholicosBuild@habitat.org or call 229-924-6935 ext. 2219.