In an unfortunate turn of events, Goth Help Us San Diego was dissolved on Monday, September 10, 2007. Goth Help Us International seems to be taking a new direction as they have updated their bylaws and excused the San Diego chapter after a year of good works. The Goth Help Us, San Diego chapter was considered to be the flagship chapter of Goth Help Us and the chapter received some notable public exposure. With talk of a new direction and rumors of a religious direction for the new Goth Help Us vision, it may be rocky times for other Goth Help Us chapters in the near future.

The former Goth Help Us, San Diego chapter is currently in the process of reforming as a new organization and they are moving forward with all previously slated events. Although not under the Goth Help Us banner any more, San Diego Goths are still looking to do good works for the community and encourage a positive image for the Gothic community. We all hope that this new organization stands strong in the face of adversity just as the founding members did after they were attacked for being Goths at the end of 2006.

Jim Howard, unfortunately, has chosen to step down from the presidency of the San Diego chapter in any form. He has stated that what is coming for the new leadership is going to require a lot of time and work and right now he wants to reclaim some of his time to spend it with his family. Jim is confident in the strength of the group he led and appears to be hopeful for the future of a Gothic community humanitarian effort for San Diego.

Rebecca Hohm, the CEO of GHU International, sent an official response to this article for clarification:

“GHU International decided to take a political turn, not a religious turn. We were forced into this after Sophie Lancaster was brutally murdered simply for being goth. We will start lobbying to make discriminating/attacking/murdering anyone in any subculture a Hate Crime and have started the process. The chapter formerally known as GHU-SD did not agree with our new direction and so the chapter was dissolved. Although they were a large chapter that did many good things, they were not our flagship chapter as stated. All chapters of GHU International are doing good works and a real difference is being made. Goths helping the world in any capacity is a wonderful thing and we wish them well in their new endeavors.”