[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CHF INTERNATIONAL: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, in these times of world gloom and 
heightened concerns for global safety and security, peace and 
prosperity in the aftermath of the tragedy of September 11, we have 
come to better understand the stark reality that people and communities 
who feel powerless and who live in poverty-stricken conditions with 
little hope for a different future often become frustrated and angry 
with their lives. These conditions often breed contempt for society in 
some and eventually can contribute to the corrosion of world stability.
  But we also know that human misery, powerlessness and other forms of 
depravation can be addressed and are being successfully addressed by 
organizations such as CHF International which is celebrating its 50th 
Anniversary during this year of 2002.
  Begun in 1952 as a housing cooperative building affordable housing in 
rural America and in low-income neighborhoods of older cities, CHF has 
grown into a world renown catalyst for sustainable positive change in 
low and moderate income communities around the world. CHF International 
works in communities from Africa to Asia to meet the challenges posed 
by global poverty, complex emergencies and humanitarian crises, social 
and economic disparities caused by conflict or political transition, 
and environmental degradation.
  Led by the energetic and unselfishly committed team of Chairman 
Gordon Cavanaugh, President and CEO, Michael Doyle and Vice President 
Judith Hermanson and hundreds of dedicated staff worldwide, CHF 
International is clearly making a difference in the lives of ordinary 
people in over 100 countries.
  CHF's formula for success, as recognized by the United Nations on its 
``Scroll of Honour'', has always been a strong belief in the goodness 
and power of the human spirit, fortified by openness and transparency, 
fiscal responsibility, continuing education, democratic governance and 
greater community participation.
  Supported in large part by the United States Agency for International 
Development and other international and domestic benefactors, CHF 
International, over the past ten years, has been able to leverage over 
$165 million to provide more than $60 million in microenterprise loans, 
to create over 500,000 jobs, to train over 103,000 people for community 
operations, to build or improve close to 100,000 homes, improve the 
economic standing of over 2 million impoverished women and help form or 
strengthen some 8,000 local co-ops.
  Mr. Speaker, as the former Chairman of the Western Hemisphere 
Subcommittee and current Chairman of the Europe Subcommittee, I have 
been aware of CHF's programs in places stretching from El Salvador and 
Guatemala to Serbia, Kosovo and Azerbaijan. The work of CHF 
International and its worldwide staff has been impressive and should be 
recognized, applauded and supported for its extraordinary contribution 
to humanity.
  Once again, congratulations to CHF International for fifty years of 
working to build a better world.

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