By Misak Ohanian | CAIA CEO
The struggles faced by ordinary Armenians, especially during the holiday season, are both universal and deeply personal. In London, where the cost-of-living crisis looms large in 2024, the local Armenian community grapples with similar challenges. Many of CAIA’s clients are low-income Armenians who often remain unaware of available support, despite their various health issues. Pride sometimes prevents them from claiming their rightful benefits.
CAIA’s Advisory Service plays a crucial role in identifying and providing practical assistance to these vulnerable individuals. Their mission is to promote welfare and ensure access to statutory rights and other available support opportunities. One heart-warming example of their impact involves collaboration with the London Armenian Poor Society. Annually, this society provides a small one-off Christmas gift to the most vulnerable households, including those with ill family members and children.
Thanks to CAIA’s referrals, nearly 20 families and individuals collectively benefited from over £13,600.00 during the past quarter. These modest payments acted as a lifeline, allowing recipients to purchase essential items and cover utility bills that would otherwise be out of reach.
Let me share the story of Mr. A and Mrs. V, a young married couple originally from Armenia and Artsakh (now occupied by Azerbaijan). Mr. A, the sole breadwinner, suffered incapacitation due to a street accident. This devastating event left the family financially vulnerable, and their landlord even terminated their tenancy agreement. Facing homelessness during the festive season, they turned to CAIA for help.
Through effective triage, CAIA stepped in, providing vital support and guidance. Their intervention not only prevented the family from ending up on the streets but also ensured they received the assistance they desperately needed.
The CAIA Advice Worker played a pivotal role in assisting this family, who had endured years of living in subpar temporary private accommodations. These inadequate living conditions disrupted their young child’s education and left them struggling to make ends meet. However, with the guidance of the CAIA Advice Worker, they engaged effectively with local authorities and secured permanent accommodation.
However, their new home was unfurnished and required essential repairs to become habitable. Unfortunately, the family lacked the financial means to address these needs. Fortunately, by accessing their entitlements and receiving a small donation from the London Armenian Poor Society, they were able to settle into their new accommodation. The long-term impact has been transformative: the family now experiences stability, regained dignity, and significantly improved quality of life—all thanks to CAIA’s timely intervention.
Specifically, their child can now focus on education, Mrs. V is pursuing studies at a local university, and Mr. A has found suitable employment. These positive changes mean that gradually, they will reduce their dependency on state assistance and actively contribute as responsible citizens.
This heart-warming tale underscores the importance of organizations like CAIA, which stand as beacons of hope for those facing adversity.
Assisting Charities and NGOs in Armenia: Emergency Relief for Displaced Armenian Refugees from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)
In our latest update, the CAIA has extended crucial support to several local charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Armenia. The primary focus is on mitigating the hardships faced by displaced Armenians, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
As of today, the CAIA donated £9000 from its own funds, as well as the generous contributions from its dedicated members and supporters. These funds have been directly channelled to the following NGOs:
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