by Bea Peterson
On November 11, following the recommendation of the Development Committee, the Hoosick Area Church Association approved a motion to purchase the former Hoosick Falls Credit Union building at 26 John Street as the HACA Community Service Center. HACA has rented the building and has been using it for the HACA Food Closet and VITA Tax Services for the past year.
The organization will now establish a three year Capital Campaign to pursue grants and funding sources to raise $100,000.
Chairman Dianne Hosterman said that so far the Development Committee has $13,000 toward the $85,000 purchase. They will need $20,000 plus closing costs to secure a mortgage. HACA will also have to pay taxes on the property for the first year until it becomes not-for-profit. Mortgage payments will be $390 a month. Hopefully the Campaign will eliminate the mortgage.
Last year the Food Closet served 978 families, including those that received Christmas baskets. Of that number 1,117 were children, 1,575 were adults and 189 were elderly. This year, so far, requests have increased 15 percent.
Hosterman added that they are already setting up for the income tax service. Last year the volunteers completed over 185 tax returns for community residents. They anticipate more filings this year as more people find out they are eligible for a tax incentive check.
Emergency Fund Very Low
At Tuesday’s meeting the Emergency Fund was also discussed. The HACA Emergency Fund is used to buy gas for individuals to get to doctor’s appointments or to purchase 100 gallons of fuel oil for needy families. These and other requests are filled separately from the food distribution. Requests for these services are growing and donations are desperately needed.
Bell Ringers Needed
HACA annually receives funds from the Salvation Army for the Food Closet and Emergency Fund. What is received is based on what is collected in the kettles locally. Hosterman is hoping to have local volunteer bell ringers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving until Christmas. To volunteer call 686-5310.