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August 21, 2002
Los Gatos, California Since 1881 |
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Habitat for Humanity coming soon to Los Gatos
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Gloria I. Wang
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Having completed one project in Campbell,
Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity is now
focusing on building a home in Los Gatos.
Habitat for Humanity kicks off its housing
selection process with community meetings for
prospective homeowners Sept. 4 at St. Mary's
Catholic Church and Sept. 8 at Congregation
Shir Hadash.
The organization is looking for a family to
occupy the two-story, 1,254-square-foot home
that will be built on Charles Street.
Residents must fit a number of Habitat's
eligibility requirements, including being
current residents or employees in Los Gatos
and earning 30 to 50 percent of the Santa
Clara County median income of $96,000.
According to Bill Arnopp, Silicon Valley
Habitat's executive director, the selection
process begins with the informational
meetings but will last several months,
depending on the number of applications
submitted and the review needed for each
applicant. A 21-member selection committee
has been formed that comprises some of
Habitat's board of directors and community
members from Los Gatos and San Jose.
The Los Gatos Town Council approved the
three-bedroom, two-bath home in March. Arnopp
said the past five months have been devoted
to working on the actual design of the house.
Although the design has not yet been formally
approved, Arnopp said, "I'm hoping that it's
going to be any day now."
The actual building process—as with
Habitat's four homes in Campbell and its
projects elsewhere—will rely on donations
from local businesses and labor from local
volunteers.
Los Gatos Community Services Director Regina
Falkner says she hopes to get town employees
involved in the construction. "When you start
to get your hands dirty, that's when it gets
really fun. That's when it becomes real,"
Falkner said.
On the morning of Aug. 24, the city of
Campbell and Habitat will host a dedication
ceremony for the four houses and their
residents. For every house that it builds,
Habitat holds a groundbreaking ceremony and
dedication ceremony, as well as requiring
participation from chosen families.
The Sept. 4 meeting at St. Mary's is from 7
to 9 p.m., and the Sept. 8 meeting at Shir
Hadash is from 3 to 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Habitat at
408.294.6464.
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