Empowering Leaders, Building Stronger Communities: How Your Support Fuels Transformation

At EBALDC, we believe that true transformation happens when people have a voice—and a seat at the table. Beyond the 2,300 affordable housing units we provide across the East Bay, we’re committed to creating communities where residents have agency over the issues that matter most to them. One of the most powerful ways we do this is through our Resident Leadership Council, a group of dedicated residents from East Oakland, Chinatown, and West Oakland who are taking charge and driving change in their communities.

Recently, five members of our Resident Leadership Council had the opportunity to attend NeighborWorks’ Community Leadership Institute, where they joined community leaders from across the United States to learn new skills and deepen their understanding of leadership and community development. This year’s theme, “Diversity to Harmony: Blending Perspectives for Common Goals,” provided them with invaluable insights and connections that will help shape the future of their neighborhoods.

For Paul, a resident leader from Chinatown, the experience was a profound lesson in “mutual respect and care.” For Yvonne, a leader from West Oakland, the training was nothing short of eye-opening. “It was amazing to see people with so much compassion, unity, and love come together on their own accord to discuss communities around the world,” she said. “Personally, I enjoyed every day that I was there, meeting different people.”

Janet, another Chinatown leader, found the workshop “Developing Your Leadership Potential” to be deeply inspiring. “We learned about the qualities that make a good leader—compassion, proactivity, and the ability to be receptive to diverse perspectives,” Janet shared. “By embodying these values, we can earn the trust of our community and work together to achieve the mission of our organization.”

This training was not just a professional development opportunity—it was a life-changing experience for these residents, and for their communities. The skills and perspectives they gained will allow them to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods, while inspiring others to step into leadership roles.

L-R: Paul Seto, Yvonne Evans, Nu Huynh, Dan Li, Zhi L. Gao, Jiezhen Xie (Janet)

Thanks to NeighborWorks, these residents have had the opportunity to grow as leaders—but we need your help to continue fostering this kind of empowerment. Your generous donation can help support ongoing training, leadership development, and programs that amplify the voices of those who know their communities best.

When you support EBALDC, you are investing in the future of our communities. You are helping residents like Paul, Yvonne, and Janet grow into the leaders who will shape the future of the East Bay. Your contribution isn’t just an investment in affordable housing—it’s an investment in the people who call these neighborhoods home, and who are working every day to make them better.