Entering through the small gate leading to a mish-mash of huts and hovels in a central neighborhood in the town of Stepanakert the capital of Artsakh, I was hard pressed to imagine where anyone actually lived.

Despite my confusion, what remains of a house destroyed by an earthquake years ago and a small hut that once was a shoemaker’s shop, is now home to four children of the Petrosyan family.

There are two beds and two tables in the one remaining room. One table is for meals and on the other rests a small TV. A teapot sits on an electric stove in the middle of the jumbled room.

“Some nice people showed up and helped us with the water and electricity issue. Otherwise would have had to use fountain water and candles. We’ve been living here for the past two years,” says Mrs. Emma.

She tells me that she raised five kids in her parents’ home but that the house eventually collapsed and that her brother gave her this hut so that she wouldn’t be put out on the street.

“The rear room isn’t habitable. The wall has tumbled down and rain enters,” adds Emma.

 The children’s father, who suffered a contusion in the Artsakh War, gradually drifted away from the family and no longer helps with expenses.

The family has not filed for government assistance until quite recently. As yet, there has been no official response.

Hetq contacted the Artsakh government’s public affairs department and was told that the family’s request is under review and that a resolution is forthcoming.

Mrs. Emma told me that neighbors say that the entire area is marked for demolition and that she hopes that she’ll receive some form of compensation. This news was verified by the Stepanakert municipality.

The municipality says that demolition is being held up because no one on the street has property documents.

The Petrosyan family now makes due with a monthly 50,000 AMD (US$ 105) state child allowance.

The eldest daughter has married and the other girl, 17 year-old Alisa, has left school to study a trade. Two of the boys, Eric and Tigran, go to school but the youngest, 7 year-old Alen doesn’t since he has no school uniform to wear. Mrs. Emma says that another benefactor has promised to give them some clothes so that Alen can attend class as well.

Mikayel Hambardzoumyan, Artsakh Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sport, told Hetq that every child entering first grade is given 20,000 AMD for school supplies and a school bag.

“There are some parents who fail to register their children on time. But, in any case, even if they register late I believe they will receive assistance without any problem,” Hambardzoumyan said.