A local chapter of Habitat for Humanity will launch this summer
if progress continues in obtaining nonprofit status from the
Secretary of State’s Office.
A local chapter of Habitat for Humanity will launch this summer if progress continues in obtaining nonprofit status from the Secretary of State’s Office.
“We are answering the call to the community and will incorporate,” said local attorney Arthur Cantu, who volunteered to be the group’s legal consultant.
There are currently three other chapters in the region: in Aptos, Atwater and Seaside. Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit organization that tries to curtail conditions of poverty and homelessness.
Through donations of time and money, the organization builds new homes and fixes old ones. Those homes are sold at cost and financed with no-interest loans, according to Habitat for Humanity documentation. Average Habitat homes in the Unites States cost $47,000. The median price of a house in Hollister is approaching $500,000.
After a March standing-room-only meeting with the regional director – who decides if communities can form a chapter – supporters were “in unison” that the organization could successfully launch, according to Cantu.
Supporters and outside observers, Cantu said, have determined there is a need in San Benito County.
“It’s a really high-energy, positive thing this community needs,” Cantu said.
Those supporting the organization’s commencement include residents from real estate, banking and building industries, Cantu said. With the Habitat endeavor, he said there is “unequivocal support.”
The assortment of business and nonprofit leaders in San Benito County, if tax-exempt nonprofit status is approved, would elect a board of directors composed of 12 people, Cantu said.
Cynthia Holthouse of World Savings Bank has been spearheading the efforts, Cantu said, and could be in line to become the president. She could not be reached at her office last Thursday.
Cantu also assisted with preparation of necessary legal documentation for the formation of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 1994.
