Residents Need You…

Dear EBALDC family,

As we all “shelter in place,” we are reminded of the importance of home.  EBALDC is an essential organization offering essential services – actively serving our community, housing over 6,000 low-income people as well as 100+ nonprofits and small businesses in Oakland and the East Bay in a time of extreme need. Thankfully, generous supporters like you have helped give them a safe and stable place to call home during this turbulent time.

That said, COVID-19 is a grim reminder that many members of our community are the most vulnerable when the systems and economy falter. Being low-income comes with high risks. This is especially true today and we need your help RIGHT NOW to meet heightened needs.

EBALDC’s antidote is community resilience through a Healthy Neighborhoods approach. Every day, our staff continue to work in our properties and in our neighborhoods to ensure that residents have stable housing, access to food, healthcare and other health-related resources, financial assistance and other essential services. In spite of unprecedented risks and challenges, our staff remain on the front line:

• Doubling down on cleaning at all our properties, doing emergency repairs, providing written updates and education to residents, and providing access to first responders and other essential providers as needed
• Comforting and connecting with our residents through wellness checks to see what support they might need, including helping them file for unemployment and other supportive benefits
• Packing and delivering food and sanitary supplies to residents, especially our seniors
• Running virtual book clubs and other distance learning service supports for our youth who are at home for the remainder of the school year
• Providing remote financial counseling and free tax preparation services so that our clients can obtain their much-needed tax refunds and stimulus checks
• Finding protective equipment (PPE) so that high-risk residents can walk safely to their errands or get some fresh air

EBALDC believes that health begins at home. If you share this belief with us, consider making a donation as we launch a $45,000 campaign – in our 45th year – to support our residents.  Our friends at BBI Construction have already pledged the first $15,000 because they know how critical our work is, especially now.  Please join alongside us as we dig deep to cover the needs of our residents, nonprofit and small business tenants.

• $15,000 for food, especially for our seniors
• $10,000 for sanitary supplies, including cleaning products, sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, toilet paper and other paper products
• $10,000 for protective equipment (PPE)
• $5,000 for ongoing wellness checks of all our residents
• $5,000 for homeschooling and educational materials for our families

Our families, and neighborhoods are healthier and stronger when we show up and support one another in moments of joy as well as crisis. Please join us in investing in the health of our communities today.

Thank you for your continued support.

In community,

Joshua Simon
Chief Executive Officer