Showing Up for My Community

October 2020

45 Stories for 45 Years

Contributor: Nu Huynh, EBALDC resident and gala honoree

I have had the honor of living at the Frank G. Mar apartments for over 25 years. Having access to affordable housing in my community has given me the opportunity not only to give my family roots in the neighborhood but also to deepen my own engagement with the community members that make it such a special place to live. My home at Frank G. Mar, and the opportunity to serve my fellow residents and my neighbors, is possible because of EBALDC.

Through my volunteer work in Chinatown, including working on campaigns with Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) to advocate for affordable housing, the East Bay Housing Organization (EBHO) to impose impact fees on new housing developments, and being a member of EBALDC’s Resident Leadership Council, I have met countless small businesses and restaurant owners who are also dedicated to improving our communities.

When COVID-19 hit our community in Chinatown, many seniors, including seniors at the Frank G. Mar Apartments, where I live, were afraid to leave their homes. I was frightened too but I knew that even though we couldn’t be together, we still have to show up for each other in times of crisis.

As it became more and more difficult for seniors at our building, or other people who had difficulty leaving their apartments, to access food, I knew that we had community members we could turn to that would be able to help out in this difficult time. I reached out to local restaurants and quickly arranged to have food donated and delivered. I am grateful to the restaurants that participated but also to EBALDC for working with us to provide this important service amid the pandemic, and for giving me hope that more individuals, families and seniors can live in healthy, vibrant and safe neighborhoods.

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:

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