On December 7th 1988 a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Spitak killing 25% of the towns population and wiping out the towns entire industry. Today over 30 years later with many people still living in substandard temporary housing and with the scars of the past still very visible and painful we are looking Upward to a brighter future.
Spitak is located in the Lori province in northern Armenia, on the road and railway that connect the capital Yerevan with Georgia. Spitak was the closest city to the epicenter of the 1988 Armenian earthquake which devastated the north of the country. The earthquake resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the destruction of many towns and cities. Over a quarter of a century later the scars left by the earthquake are still palpable on a physical, economical and emotional level.
PAST
During Soviet times the then prosperous city had the only sugar refinery in the whole Caucasus, which exported sugar to the USSR, Mongolia and Iran, and the only lift construction factory in the country. Most of the industries that existed prior to the earthquake have disappeared, creating a dearth of local job opportunities. Given the economic situation, many men young and old emigrate to Russia for seasonal work and reunite with their families during the winter months.
PRESENT
Today, many people still live in poverty with very little hope for change. Extended families sleep together in small temporary houses that are 25 years past their shelf life. Winters are harsh and cold and many families struggle to heat their homes during the winter months. With so much unemployment and many families carrying debt for a lot of people the only hope is to leave Spitak to find a better life. We believe that by working together as families and building each other up we will create a community within Spitak that is relationally, economically and physically strong and healthy.
