Aragatsotn Marz, Armenia – May 11, 2010 – Armenia is one of the poorest countries in Europe, and life for many people is challenging to say the least. Medicaitons, utilities, and clothing are all luxury items for large families on fixed incomes. For example, the Adamyan family—a mother, three daughters, and a son—make do on $104 per month, which barely covers food expenses. Their home does not protect them from the heat of summer or Armenia’s harsh winters. The children have left school so they can do odd jobs.

The Barseghyan family—grandfather Mnatsakan, his son and daughter-in-law, and their four children—are a little better off, but medicines for Mnatsakan’s asthma and high blood pressure are beyond their means.

IRD is helping both these families and others like them in Armenia. With funding from the U.S. Department of State, IRD is providing donations of clothing, quilts, medications, and household supplies to vulnerable families like the Adamyans and Barseghyans, which are selected by local NGOs and health care facilities that IRD works with.

When IRD came to their village and provided medicines free-of-charge, Mnatsakan felt very relieved. “I am so thankful to IRD for noticing our village and for lending a helping hand to our needy people,” he said.