My Housing is My Lifeline

March 2021

East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation

45 Stories for 45 Years

Contributor: Ramiro Montoya, EBALDC Resident Leadership Council member

I turned down playing professional soccer in South America and migrated to Oakland to go to school and make my mom proud. It was 1979, and I still remember the excitement I had aspiring to one day become a pilot. I had previously worked for several airlines in South America but unfortunately was not able to pursue my dream due to citizenship limitations. Luckily, I received a scholarship to play soccer while attending school in the Bay Area. I attended both Laney College and the College of Alameda, then later began working for the US Postal Service where I was well-off making a good living.

After 12 years at USPS, I became disabled, which drastically impacted my life. If it wasn’t for affordable housing, I’d be dead. Due to my disability, I wouldn’t be making it, wouldn’t have a place to live with my income. Thankfully in 2017, I won the lottery for affordable housing at Prosperity Place in Chinatown. After moving into my new home, I was able to get back to my advocacy. EBALDC did that for me.

They say 6 out of 10 people become disable before the age of retirement – something I learned through advocating for the rights of people with disabilities prior. Since then, I’ve been able to serve on EBALDC’s Resident Leadership Council where we advocated to the City of Oakland to get food for the homeless. EBALDC also sent me to NeighborWorks conventions in LA and Chicago, which was an amazing experience. I’ve also worked with East Bay Housing Organizations and many others. My home is so much more than just a house – it’s a lifeline.

As EBALDC marks our 45th anniversary, we will be gathering more stories like this one from our friends, family, community members, partners and more stakeholders that have made our impact possible. We would be honored for you to join us:

  • Follow us on social media: @EBALDC

 

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