Emergency Response & Recovery

In September 2024, People in Need initiated the second phase of the UNHCR-supported project, Increasing the well-being of older refugees in Tavush and Lori provinces, covering Noyemberyan and Berd communities in Lori province.

The project aims to meet the needs and improve the living conditions of older refugees to ensure their well-being and inclusion in host communities. Based on the results of a needs assessment in the above communities, we identified 170 older refugees for support with hygiene items, warm clothing, and household appliances.

The project also includes the organisation of social events and cultural activities to engage refugees and host communities.
 

In partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), we have launched the "Emergency Preparedness Activity in Southern Armenia" project. With our second partnership with USAID on Disaster Risk Management, we aim to strengthen disaster resilience in the vulnerable communities of Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions. By working closely with local authorities, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other local and international stakeholders, the project seeks to improve the ability of the Goris, Yeghegnadzor, and Yeghegis communities to better prepare for and respond to disasters, in line with government standards.  

The project focuses on developing and implementing Disaster Risk Management (DRM) plans tailored to the specific risks of each community. It also provides local authorities and CSOs with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective emergency response, including disaster preparedness training, early warning systems (EWS), and emergency drills.  

A key aspect of the project involves upgrading and expanding EWS to ensure timely alerts in case of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Additionally, we are working to ensure that essential non-food items are available to support communities during emergencies.  

Through targeted interventions, we aim to enhance community resilience in southern Armenia, improve disaster preparedness, and strengthen coordination between local and national stakeholders to ensure a more effective and timely response to emergencies. 

In response to the recent displacement of people from Nagorno-Karabakh and with a strong focus on the well-being of children, People in Need (PIN), in partnership with UNICEF, is expanding the free-of-charge Child-Friendly Spaces (CFSs) from the Syunik region to Vayots Dzor. These spaces provide vital psychosocial support, recreational programmes, educational activities, and socialization opportunities for displaced children and teenagers aged 3-15, helping them process and recover from the stress and trauma they have experienced.  
 
Psychosocial support includes counselling, group therapy, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities that support children's emotional well-being and improve their social skills. Meanwhile, the recreational programmes include various activities, such as sports, physical exercises, arts and crafts, group games, and team-building exercises. These activities provide enjoyment, encourage social interaction, and promote physical and mental well-being.  

Our informal education offerings, including storytelling sessions and book clubs, foster critical thinking and communication skills, ensuring displaced children can continue learning in a supportive and engaging environment. 

Parental involvement plays a vital role in the success of supporting displaced children. To foster this, we offer awareness programmes, volunteer training, and social events encouraging parents and caregivers to participate in their children's growth and development. Our child development and parenting skills workshops equip families with the tools they need to nurture their children's well-being.   
Ultimately, through this support, we aim to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of displaced children and strengthen the Armenian communities that support them. 
 

People in Need, along with our consortium partners Medecins du Monde (MdM) and Mission Armenia (MA), have initiated the “Multisectoral emergency assistance to vulnerable conflict-affected population” project with funding from the European Union. We joined our efforts to assist over 23,000 individuals affected by the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, including those within host communities.

To reduce the conflict’s impact on displaced and host populations, promote their well-being, and strengthen resilience, we concentrate our assistance in four key areas: health, protection, shelter & settlements, and multi-purpose cash assistance.

PIN, alongside our consortium partners, will ensure access to specialised protection services and case management for individuals at risk due to the conflict. We will also facilitate safe, winterised shelter opportunities for the most vulnerable, conflict-affected people while enabling their households to meet their urgent basic needs through multi-purpose cash assistance. In particular, People in Need will provide:

• Eco-friendly briquettes for warmth during the harsh winter months
• Utility payments
• Child-friendly spaces catering to children aged 3-15
• Multi-purpose cash assistance

We identify the families in need of our assistance with the support of local authorities.

We at People in Need (PIN) began our first Education in Emergencies (EiE) response in 2013 in Syria and have since expanded our EiE programming to eight countries (Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Myanmar, Georgia, Moldova, and Armenia). In 2023, we helped 94,080 conflict-affected children worldwide continue their education. Furthermore, we provided 3,088 teachers and other education personnel with financial and material support and capacity development. Additionally, we supported 8,446 parents and caregivers with parenting skills and psychosocial assistance. 

We work in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on children affected by crises and living in active conflict, protracted crises, and early recovery contexts. Through our programmes, we aim to ensure that children are safe, well, and learning within a supportive environment. To provide the best possible support to the children, educators, caregivers, and communities we serve, we prioritise close and meaningful partnerships with national and local authorities, non-governmental organisations, and civil society. We strongly believe that quality programming requires active engagement with both national and global coordination mechanisms and networks. 

In this context in Armenia, we began establishing Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) in October 2020, shortly after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict erupted. These CFSs serve both local and displaced children, enhancing their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Over the years, we have established and maintained CFSs in Goris and Martuni. These spaces are sustained and continuously improved through the generous support of donors: USAID, the European Union, UNICEF, the Start Network, and PIN's Club of Friends, in strong cooperation with local municipalities. To date, over 500 local and displaced children have been or are currently engaged in these child-friendly spaces. 

To help people affected by the recent flooding in Armenia's northern Lori and Tavush regions, we initiated an emergency response with ACTED and the Lore Rescue team. Our response was necessary due to the urgent need to address the immediate and long-term needs of communities devastated by the flooding. Within the overall project, PIN's aid involves distributing vouchers for household equipment, hygiene, and kitchen items. These interventions empower affected populations to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, enhance their resilience to future disasters, and improve their overall well-being. We also cooperate closely with state bodies on needs assessments and the effective distribution of aid.
 

To support families displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and vulnerable local households in the Gegharkunik and Shirak regions of Armenia, we are implementing the project: “Emergency Response to Displacement of Population from Nagorno-Karabakh Region to Armenia”. This project is made possible through financial support from the Czech Republic Humanitarian Aid and in collaboration with Mission Armenia.

The primary aim of the project is to provide and enhance the professional skills of the selected participants through the training courses conducted by vocational education institutions and local employers. Additionally, it aims to equip participants with toolkits to help them generate income. Through the project, we envision that those who complete vocational education and training courses will receive job offers from employers involved in the project. Regardless, participants will receive financial assistance to cover transportation expenses during the two-month study period.

We tailor our support to participants based on individual needs assessments, exploring their interests, and identifying opportunities for participation in the programme.
 

To support older people and individuals with disabilities, People in Need (PIN) Armenia - with funding from the UNHCR - launched a project in the Syunik, Shirak, Tavush, and Lori regions of Armenia with the target of Goris, Verishen, Amasia, Akhuryan, Berd, Noyemberyan, Vanadzor, Alaverdi and Stepanavan communities.

The project aims to enhance the social and psychological well-being of older people and people with disabilities affected by the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and consequential displacement. To achieve this, PIN is providing needs-based support and social activities in the remote regions of Armenia.

Following social workers' assessments, the most vulnerable older individuals and those with disabilities receive support to meet their urgent basic needs, including food, hygiene, and other specific requirements. They will receive one-time assistance for food and hygiene, and more assistance based on the identified needs during the assessment.
Beyond aid provision, PIN helps break the isolation of targeted groups by involving them in social events. The project aims to assist approximately 200 older individuals and people with disabilities, including local residents and displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh.

To support older people and individuals with disabilities, People in Need (PIN) Armenia - with funding from the UNHCR - launched a project in the Syunik, Shirak, Tavush, and Lori regions of Armenia with the target of Goris, Verishen, Amasia, Akhuryan, Berd, Noyemberyan, Vanadzor, Alaverdi and Stepanavan communities.

The project aims to enhance the social and psychological well-being of older people and people with disabilities affected by the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and consequential displacement. To achieve this, PIN is providing needs-based support and social activities in the remote regions of Armenia.

Following social workers' assessments, the most vulnerable older individuals and those with disabilities receive support to meet their urgent basic needs, including food, hygiene, and other specific requirements. They will receive one-time assistance for food and hygiene, and more assistance based on the identified needs during the assessment.
Beyond aid provision, PIN helps break the isolation of targeted groups by involving them in social events. The project aims to assist approximately 200 older individuals and people with disabilities, including local residents and displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh.
 

In order to urgently respond to the needs of people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, the European Union provided 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid to its partner People in Need for joint distribution with the Armenian government. 

This humanitarian aid included 5,000 blankets, 3,000 kitchen sets, and 3,000 hygiene kits. The Unified Social Service cooperates with the municipalities to provide a list of families referred to us to receive support.

With a large-scale displacement of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia unfolding, the main goal of the project funded by Stichting Vluchteling (SV) is to help the most vulnerable people affected by the recent conflict.

Through the SV funds, PIN ensures that the displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh stay in safe, accessible, dignified emergency shelters. As part of the project, PIN is upgrading collective shelters hosting the affected people providing repair kits, equipment, briquettes, and stoves. The project supports approximately 240 families in the Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Kotayk, Ararat, and Armavir provinces of Armenia.

The most vulnerable households are selected in close collaboration with the local authorities who refer collective and individual shelters to PIN.
 

People in Need, together with our consortium partners Action Against Hunger, Médecins du Monde, Mission Armenia, and the WINNET Goris Development Foundation initiated the 'Prompt Response to the Displacement of People from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia' short-term humanitarian project with funding from the Start Network. This initiative addresses the most urgent needs of the population displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh following the events of September 2023. To provide a comprehensive range of humanitarian assistance to the affected population, the project includes several components that respond to the actual needs of over 8,000 displaced people. 

A significant component of the project involves the distribution of multi-purpose vouchers to households in the Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions. PIN is also distributing hot, ready-to-eat meals to individuals, which will be organized through local restaurants, canteens, and small entrepreneurs. 

Action Against Hunger is providing multi-purpose vouchers to households in the Ararat and Kotayk regions 

MDM contributes to the operations of the Goris reception centre by purchasing essential hardware equipment, as well as supporting rental and utility expenses. 

To address the critical needs related to mental health and document-related issues, Mission Armenia is providing primary psychosocial support and basic legal assistance.  

WINNET Goris facilitates engagement activities, with a specific focus on women and children in Goris.

Read more here. 

Supported by funds from the European Union delegation in Armenia, we are addressing the immediate needs of the population displaced by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 

We provide hygiene kits to approximately 1,000 displaced families in the Syunik region. This support benefitted around 3,000 people, including families with children and elderly individuals. 

The families in need of our assistance have been referred to us by the Syunik local authorities.

Read more here. 
 

We support more than 19,000 displaced individuals with assistance from EU Humanitarian aid, in collaboration with the WINNET Goris Development Foundation, aimed at helping families displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

People in Need provides vouchers worth 40,000 AMD to people in the urban areas of the Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions. This allows displaced individuals to purchase essential food and hygiene supplies from local shops in their communities. Meanwhile, those living in rural areas receive food and hygiene kits.

The WINNET Goris Development Foundation, our project partner, conducts various activities catering to displaced women and children.

This aid is accessible to displaced people residing in the Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions. The families in need of our assistance are referred to us by the local authorities.

In the extended community of Goris, Syunik Province, People in Need, with the support of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), is implementing an emergency preparedness project to reduce the risk of man-made and natural disasters and to make the community resilient and secure.

The project envisages a series of complex measures coordinated with national and local governmental bodies and other relevant stakeholders active in the field of emergency preparedness. An integral component of the project is the renovation of shelters that will also be equipped with basic supplies. Coordination systems between the key institutions will be developed, and appropriate procedures for approaching emergency situations will be advanced and finetuned. At the same time, with the direct participation of the Goris municipality, community groups will be created with the involvement of the state, civil society representatives, and volunteers to respond effectively during emergencies.

A series of relevant capacity-building training is to be conducted for members of community groups. In the framework of this project, public awareness campaigns and emergency drills will be organised. 

People who moved to Armenia due to the war are facing many problems. They are excluded from the labour market; thus, they cannot ensure the well-being and basic needs of their families. Particularly, this is highlighted in the issues related to rental support, health care, unemployment, and also in vocational training courses and language assistance.
To react to the all aforementioned needs respectively and contribute to the integration of displaced families and help them recognize homeland and heritage, People in Need has initiated the ‘PINcubator: Programme for Integration of Armenian Nationals’ project.
The project has the following components:

• Social assistance, which includes compensation for rent and/or utility bills, provision of basic necessities, i.e. furniture, equipment, clothes and hygiene kits. Within this component, displaced families will also receive free psychological and legal support.
• On-the-job training provision, including the Armenian language courses. Foreign language courses can also be provided out of necessity.
• PINcubator: business incubation programme which includes business classes, small business grants, mentoring and business coaching.

This reintegration project is implemented thanks to the People in Need funds together with its local partner Mission Armenia and in cooperation with Department of Diaspora of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of RA, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, State Migration Service of Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development, as well as with local and international organizations.
 

In order to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by the Lachin corridor blockade—which has been ongoing since December 12, 2022 - People in Need, Mission Armenia, Armenian Caritas, and the WINNET Armenia network of women's resource centers have formed a consortium to support about 10,000 people affected by the blockade․

With Start Network funding, PIN and our fellow consortium members are helping vulnerable people through local CSOs. We are providing a variety of supports such as winter clothes, food, psycho-social support, and youth and women engagement activities through craft skills, etc. 

The selection of beneficiaries and the implementation of works are organised in cooperation with the consortium members and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Syunik Marzpetaran, Goris Municipality, and the Nagorno-Karabakh representative office in Armenia. 
 

The project aims to provide immediate support to the vulnerable population in Armenia; while focusing on displaced people, hosting families, and vulnerable individuals who stayed in their villages during the conflict. As a result of a new wave of attacks on the sovereign territory of Armenia in September 2022, 7,600 individuals have been displaced from the regions of Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik.

The project aims to cover the needs of the vulnerable conflict-affected and host populations in Armenia through utility payment.

This 6-month emergency response will reach 4,225 unique individuals and will be implemented by a consortium of PIN and ACTED. The project will be closely coordinated with relevant authorities and emergency actors to avoid duplications and complement other ongoing responses. Read more here.

Thanks to the funds from the START Network, under the "Emergency Response for Internal Displaced Populations in Armenia" project, People in Need (PIN) helped people in the Syunik region affected by the Azerbaijan aggression on September 13-14, 2022. The conflict has caused displacement and severe trauma. Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and women are particularly at risk in a context where state support is limited and access to critical services is poor.

The project was led by ACTED in consortium with PIN and Mission Armenia and specialising in the Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, and Syunik regions of Armenia.

PIN provided hygiene and baby kits, as well as first aid kits to families and health facilities in the Syunik region. We were providing hygiene kits to 300 families and baby kits to 100 mothers, first aid kits to 300 beneficiaries who are able to provide first aid care, and medical kits for 10 health facilities.

The project partners ACTED and Mission Armenia provided multi-purpose vouchers and psycho-support services, respectively. 
 

Years later after the escalation of violence in Nagorno Karabakh, the issue of displaced persons settled within Armenia remains high on the agenda.

The Displaced Family Support project, implemented with the kind support of the US Agency for International Development, aims to improve the quality of life of displaced families living in Metsamor city, Armavir region by providing them with job opportunities. Displaced and vulnerable people throughout Metsamor's amalgamated community had an opportunity to develop their capacities. These families were encouraged to engage in viable microenterprises to increase and diversify their sources of income through the initiation of new activities. The project also facilitates social cohesion between displaced families and the host community.

Selected beneficiaries among the displaced families and host community attended training on baking technology, specialty, and alternative baking, pastry arts, food service management, financial literacy, and business management. The most successful and motivated participants were selected for employment in the newly created Mets & More Bakery, which was established within the project, or received livelihood kits to support their income generation abilities.

To mention, Mets & More is more than a bakery. It has been established in pursuit of social cohesion between displaced families and their host community; it creates job opportunities for the displaced and vulnerable families. Part of the proceeds from the bakery, in collaboration with Metsamor city municipality, will ensure the community's implementation of the development programs.

To foster proper assimilation and social integration of displaced families within the host community, PIN in collaboration with Metsamor city municipality established an additional childcare unit within the existing kindergarten. Further, 17 families living in the shelter were provided with new doors and windows in order to ease their daily worries and ensure thermal insulation.



Read more here. 

 

 

Relief and Early Recovery for People Affected by Conflict in Armenia, the REACT project, is working to meet the needs of over 17,000 displaced people in the most turbulent regions of the country. Through this project, People in Need (PIN) aims to provide continuous relief aid to those most vulnerable and respond to mounting early recovery needs in Armenia.

PIN is working to support people in five selected regions of Armenia: Kotayk, Ararat, Armavir, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik. With winter quickly approaching, teams working with REACT will help provide tools necessary for living through the cooler months. Providing utility support subsidies for 2000 displaced households, eco-briquettes for 500 families, and winterization kits to 200 families will help keep homes warm in colder temperatures.
 

Through the REACT project, PIN will also assist the economic integration of conflict-affected populations in Armenia. Providing vocational counsellors to help vulnerable people locate gaps in professional experience and identify relevant skills will allow over 1,500 beneficiaries the opportunity to financially support themselves. This program also provides assistance in drafting CVs, networking, advising, and interviewing.

Alongside economic counselling, PIN will organise short-term vocational and educational training courses in varying subjects. Following completion of this course, 700 participants will receive livelihood kits containing tools selected to help them start their careers as soon as possible.

Additionally, PIN will continue the operation of seven child-friendly spaces in the Goris community of Syunik Province. Through this, children have the opportunity to partake in recreational activities, participate in various cultural and sightseeing events, and perhaps most importantly: play with their peers.

The REACT project is implemented in partnership with ACTED, the Association of Armenian Social Workers (AASW), and Mission Armenia NGO. Our partnering organisations work on other key aspects of integration and aid in Armenia. This support includes multipurpose vouchers assistance, legal counselling, advocacy, case management, mapping of services, and referral systems.

This project is made possible thanks to generous funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). 

Read more here. 

This project contributed to saving lives, promoting wellbeing, and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable displaced and host populations affected by the conflict in Armenia. The project is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented by People in Need (PIN) in partnership with ACTED, REACH, Association of Armenian Social Workers (AASW), and Armenia Inter-Church Charitable Round Table Foundation (ART).

This project responded to the needs of about 20,000 conflict-affected persons via a multi-sectoral program that aims at addressing the most pressing shelter, hygiene, and psychological needs of populations.

PIN increased access to safe and winterized shelter for the most vulnerable conflict-affected populations and supported host families with utility payments. The selection of the beneficiaries will be closely coordinated with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MSLA), local municipalities, and the marz administrations. 

The conflict in Nagorno Karabakh has triggered large population displacement to Armenia. The majority of the displaced stay in host families or collective shelters, such as kindergartens, that are ill-adapted for long-term stays due to poor hygiene and inadequate or insufficient facilities. This population influx raises serious epidemiological concerns, as poor hygiene and overcrowding in host communities and collective shelters are the ideal conditions for COVID-19 transmission. This crisis is furthered as Armenian citizens are struggling with the COVID-19 outbreak.

This project, funded by the European Union and implemented by People in Need (PIN), targets about 2400 conflict-affected persons by addressing their most pressing basic hygiene needs.

The contents of hygiene kits are aligned with national and international health standards.

“The hygiene kits include more than two dozen items in different quantities for COVID-19 prevention, self-care, and house/shelter cleaning: there were family kits for general usage and additional individual packages for children, women, and seniors.

PIN also produced a needs assessment report to ensure that conflict-affected populations have improved access to evidence-based relief.

Activities were focused on the Syunik region, specifically the Goris extended community, the city of Goris, and the Tegh extended community. 

People in Need, with funding from the US Agency for International Development, supported those affected by the conflict in Armenia by addressing their most pressing hygiene and winterisation needs, as well as by helping to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The project covers all of the regions of Armenia and responds to the needs of approximately 10,000 beneficiaries.

Using an integrated Shelter, Health and Wash response, the project is focused on:

• Enhancing access to safe and winterised shelter for the most vulnerable, displaced populations;

• Protecting the displaced and their host communities from the spread of COVID-19 by enhancing their awareness and enabling them to adopt practices to minimise the risk of transmitting or contracting the disease; and

• Ensuring that the most vulnerable populations affected by the conflict are able to practice basic hygiene and infection prevention behaviours.