COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Habitat for Humanity has dissolved after over three decades of service to the community.
According to a statement that was issued on Friday by the local Board of Directors, the dissolution was effective June 13. Because of the paperwork involved for the dissolution of a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the process could take up to six months to be finalized.
A plan is currently being developed by the B.C.H.F.H. Board of Directors in conjunction with a representative from Habitat For Humanity International.
When the plan is complete, B.C.H.F.H. assets will be sold and/or donated to similar 501(c)(3) organizations in the local area.
The Board stated, “that while fellow members of the Board as well as the volunteers really believe in the mission and vision of Habitat International, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the local organization. A number of factors contributed to the decision to dissolve, including rising costs of building materials, the aging of Board members and inability to attract new members, and the lack of committed volunteers to help with construction.”
They added this is becoming a common problem with other affiliates and there has been very little interest in qualified applicants requesting a home recently.
The Board also stated new requirements from Habitat For Humanity International are also making it more difficult for smaller affiliates like the one in Branch County as every affiliate, large or small, will need to comply with the same requirements.
Branch County Habitat for Humanity has been operating the ReStore at 255 Division since it opened in 2018. It was the primary source of income to fund the home construction over the years.
The Board says the ReStore has stopped taking in donations and there will be an attempt to sell the current inventory.
The BCHFH Board members closed their statement by saying they would like to express their gratitude for all of the years of support from local vendors, contractors, service organizations and volunteers.
Habitat for Humanity of Branch County helped build 14 homes since 1987.
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