CANOGA PARK, CA — Homenetmen Massis Chapter has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to acquire the property adjacent to its existing community center, an expansion that would nearly triple its indoor facilities and provide much-needed space for its growing athletic, scouting, and community programs.
The initiative, titled “The Building Next Door,” seeks to purchase a neighboring property valued at $5.8 million, creating a unified campus of more than 31,000 square feet dedicated to serving Armenian youth and families in the San Fernando Valley.
With more than 1,200 members and over 100 athletic teams, Homenetmen Massis has outgrown its current facilities. More than 100 young athletes must travel to rented gymnasiums throughout the Valley for practices, while the chapter’s 50 youngest teams are limited to playing on half-courts.
The proposed expansion would address these challenges while allowing the chapter to accommodate additional participants and strengthen its role as a center for Armenian community life.
“We have run out of room to say yes to our own community,” said Joseph Titizian, Chairman of the Homenetmen Massis Chapter Executive Board. “The building next door lets us bring every team home, welcome the families who are waiting, and finally be more than a court.”
Titizian emphasized that the initiative reflects Homenetmen’s founding mission of service, character development, and community leadership, dating back to the organization’s establishment in 1918.
MASSIS Society Recognizes Community Supporters
To support the acquisition, the chapter has introduced the MASSIS Society, a donor recognition program with six contribution levels ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 and above.
The giving levels recognize supporters as Monument Builders, Architects of Tomorrow, Strength of Our Community, Spirit of Service, Investing in Our Youth, and Seeds of the Future.
Contributions of $1,000 or more qualify for recognition in the MASSIS Society, with pledges payable over a period of up to three years. The chapter also welcomes gifts of stock and contributions made collectively by families or athletic teams.
Investing in Future Generations
For decades, Homenetmen has played an essential role in Armenian-American community life, providing young people with opportunities to develop athletic skills, leadership qualities, discipline, and a lasting connection to their Armenian heritage.
The Massis expansion represents more than a real estate acquisition. It is an investment in the next generation and in the institutional strength of the Armenian community in the San Fernando Valley.
By bringing its athletic teams together under one roof and expanding space for scouting and community activities, the chapter hopes to build a permanent home capable of serving Armenian families for generations.
Community members interested in contributing or learning more about the campaign are encouraged to visit www.massis.org/community.
Those considering major contributions or multi-year pledges may also contact Shaunt Kevork, Secretary of the Chapter Executive Board, at shauntkevork@massis.org or (818) 227-3755.
With the support of the Armenian-American community, Homenetmen Massis hopes to transform a neighboring building into a lasting investment in Armenian youth, identity, and community life.
