NAMPA — No longer known as the Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho, the Idaho Hispanic Community Center has seen more than just a new name in recent months — its new facilities manager hopes to give it a facelift.
It has been over a year since the city took control of the former center after community complaints of mismanagement and failure to serve the Hispanic community. The HCCI was alleged to have broken its lease agreement with the city. This included requirements to provide community programming and keep detailed records of maintenance costs.
The center has been a community gathering space for the local Hispanic community since its creation in 2003. The two-story building serves as an event venue with rooms available for reservation. Other spaces in the building are leased out to local organizations as office space, serving as a center for Hispanic resources.
The goal is to serve the local community through resources, education and the appreciation of Hispanic cultures.
Facilities Manager José DeLeon aims to give the center, now known as the IH2C, a second life.