We keep each other safe and healthy

Dear Friends,

Out of respect for our neighbors, please wear a mask.

It’s been over 110 days since Alameda County Public Health Officials ordered the Bay Area to shelter-in-place. With warmer weather, a holiday weekend coming up, and some businesses starting to reopen, many of us are eager to return to some semblance of normal.

However, the pandemic is not over. In fact, the numbers in California are growing rapidly. The most devastating effects of the pandemic are on the low-income communities of color that we serve– Many are hourly workers for essential businesses that we crave most to re-open – restaurants, gyms and retail. As we know, they are often paid the least, but expected to be available to work.

According to Alameda County Public Health statistics, the highest hit areas are in the 94601 (Fruitvale) and 94621 (Coliseum/Havenscourt) zip codes in Oakland, two areas we actively work in. In fact, Havenscourt, where we serve over 600 households and have afterschool and senior programs, has some of the highest hospitalization admissions and ER visits for asthma – one of the pre-existing conditions for those most susceptible to COVID-19.

At EBALDC, we have been providing masks to our staff and residents because we know that it is something that makes a difference in lowering the incidence rates of COVID-19. Our commercial tenants have instituted mask requirements in order for you to conduct business with them.  With the holiday weekend coming up, come by Swan’s Market for sausages or oysters to put on the grill and cupcakes for dessert or get a cool drink at the Sweetheart Café in the Asian Resource Center, but WEAR A MASK!  For the safety of all of us.

In solidarity,

Joshua Simon, CEO