[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 8 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHISPA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Community Housing 
Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc., affectionately 
called CHISPA, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. CHISPA is a 
nonprofit 501 (c)3 Community-based Housing Development Organization, 
whose California housing projects have served Monterey County's lowest-
income population for 25 years, and is the largest private nonprofit 
housing developer in the area.
  CHISPA's Self-Help program allows participants to become homeowners 
through building their houses themselves. Since 1990, CHISPA's Self-
Help program has built 483 homes for approximately 2,560 people in 
Monterey County alone. This laudable program allows large low-income 
families to build their own homes with three to four bedrooms, double 
car garages, vaulted ceilings, landscaped front and back yards, 
sprinkler systems, and oak cabinets. Working 40 hours per week under 
the guidance of a construction supervisor, families are able to realize 
their dream home.
  Another worthy CHISPA program is the Moderate Income Housing program 
in which first-time home buyers receive financial assistance. 
Beneficiaries of this program include city employees, entry-level 
professionals, and teachers.
  CHISPA Housing and Management, Inc., CHMI, Housing and Maintenance 
Specialists ensure that houses are of the highest quality by overseeing 
all construction activities. Program participants learn both 
construction and maintenance techniques, in addition to valuable 
management skills. CHISPA contributes to social well-being not only by 
enabling families to construct beautiful homes, but also by providing 
participants with a deeper sense of community.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud CHISPA's many accomplishments, and commend 
them for the tremendous effort they dedicate to enabling families to 
own their own home. I join the entire community in honoring this truly 
remarkable organization for its achievements in making the American 
Dream a reality for so many of our citizens.

                          ____________________