Frequently Asked Questions
Can you please tell more about who you are as an organization and how you are connected to the official government initiatives to solve this issue?
This initiative started out on the individual and personal level, through connections in Armenia. The founder had friends reach out to her telling her about the need for resources for families coming to Yerevan. The person who reached out is a teacher that works with these families, and started a fundraiser which developed in this initiative.
We are also working with a few NGO’s to cover as much ground as possible. Most of the families we are assisting are within Yerevan City limits or within one hour. If they are outside of that range, we pass their information along to other nonprofits.
How do I know that my donation is going to those in need?
Because our team is composed of only volunteers. ARP’s only overhead expenses are cell phone payment, website hosting, and payment processing. Cost breakdown is 93%+ for purchasing essential items, and roughly 5% for transportation costs for deliveries to families, and about 2% is for the other expenses.
Realistically, what amount is needed per month for these families?
Roughly $175 covers the first month, and then $100 for following months if needed. Regarding the breakdown, $50-60 covers the cost of food and hygiene products for a family of 5-7 for two weeks.
What is the average timeframe to be matched with a family?
The average match time is 4 to 5 days. We're excited to have a more expedited time frame than previously as we continue to streamline matching logistics.
How does the process of being matched with a family work?
Once the sponsorship form is completed, one of our volunteers will contact you after we have matched you with a family, including some information about the family and our donation links.
After we receive the donations, we will purchase the essential items and either deliver the items to the family, or they will pick up the items from a local store we work with. Once that is done, we can send receipts of the transactions if you would like, and also the contact information for the family.
I’m interested in donating clothing. Are there regional drop-offs, or what is the best route to deliver appropriately?
At this time, sending clothing or other items through customs is very difficult, expensive and can take up to two months to arrive. We recommend sending any clothing or essential items with someone who is traveling to Armenia. The Artsakh Relocation Team will meet with the traveling party to receive the donated items when they arrive in Armenia.
If families fled their home, how do they have access to internet or smartphones to connect on social media via the pen pal program? Can you give more details?
Because many families are living with their extended families (ie. 5-10 people or more) in an apartment, every family we are in communication with has at least one person with a working smartphone. Also, because the majority of Artsakh are in Yerevan or its surrounding areas, there is almost always working wifi in each building.
Would my donation count as a tax deduction? Is the Artsakh Relocation Project a certified nonprofit?
Thank you for inquiring about our tax-exempt nonprofit status. The Artsakh Relocation Project is a registered 501 (C)(3).
With any donations received, we are 100% transparent about the distribution of the funds. If you have any other questions or concerns please contact us at any time. To provide full transparency, we can send receipts of items purchased for the families and contact info for the families.