The Armenian Housing Crisis app was developed to raise awareness of the chronic poverty housing in Armenia and to offer support to some of the countrys most vulnerable families.
In 1988, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern Armenia, destroying much of Vanadzor, the third-largest ctiy. To help deal with the earthquake induced housing crisis, the Soviet government set up temporary villages of "domiks" - small houses made from metal shipping containers - on the outskirts of Vanadzor and other quake affected cities. More than two decades later, over 7,000 Armenian families still live in these deplorable conditions.
Seen through the eyes of social responsibility educator Josette Bonafino, the app explores the country’s current state with video interviews from domik residents, interactive infographics, a responsive map and an opportunity to help provide dignity, health and comfort to some of Vanadazor’s most vulnerable families.
The app is brought you by MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange, a Philadelphia-based 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping youth explore cultural diversity and social issues relevant to all people.