Stitching Together a Future After Artsakh

When families are forced to flee their homes, the loss is more than physical. Homes, livelihoods, community connections, and a sense of security can disappear overnight. 

Following the 2023 offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), thousands of Armenian Christians were displaced from their ancestral communities and arrived in Armenia with few belongings, no stable income, and limited resources to rebuild. After months of hardship, including a prolonged blockade that restricted access to essential supplies, families faced the difficult reality of starting over. 

The livelihood project in Armenia was created to help displaced families move from emergency dependence toward long-term stability. By providing industrial sewing and overlock machines to displaced seamstress families, the project restores a source of income and rebuild with dignity. 

The initiative supports families through a structured production model, connecting seamstresses with a branded bedding line designed to generate sustainable revenue. Income from production is reinvested into the program, creating a revolving model that can extend support to additional displaced families over time. 

Restoring dignity through sustainable work 

For Sona and her family, this opportunity has become part of their journey toward a new beginning. 

Before displacement, Sona lived with her family in a village in Artsakh. Following the 2023 conflict, they were forced to leave their home and relocate to Armenia. Today, 11 family members live together in a rented apartment as they work to rebuild their lives. 

As a mother caring for four children, finding stable employment outside the home was challenging. Wanting to provide for her family while remaining present for her children, Sona began developing her skills as a home-based seamstress. 

Through the project, she received an overlocking machine that allowed her to expand her sewing work and participate in sustainable production opportunities. The equipment gave her the ability to increase her earning potential, thus creating a more stable future for her family. 

Today, Sona continues growing as a seamstress and working toward greater financial independence.  

Building resilience that lasts 

Through livelihood restoration, Shai Fund is helping displaced families from Artsakh recover with dignity, strengthen their communities, and build a path toward lasting resilience. 

By creating income opportunities and investing in productive assets, these families are moving beyond crisis survival and toward a future of stability.