Who Uses EBALDC’s Services?
(Based on 2022 Data)
Who Lives in EBALDC Buildings?
(Based on 2022 Data for only EBALDC managed properties)
Resident Profiles
Resident: Gregory Brannon | Property: California Hotel
Gregory Brannon moved into the California Hotel in 2013. He served in the Navy from 1986 to 1990 as a “radio man,” connecting land-based messages to the officers on the ship. Through his service, he had the opportunity to play basketball with locals all around the world. He is now retired from the Emeryville Community Services Recreation Department. He was the Recreation Manager there for 14 years and had always enjoyed establishing relationships with the community as a whole.
“We have a bunch of yesterdays and only one tomorrow. We need to watch out for our kids. My story just got started, and being part of it is good enough for me.”
Resident: Akram & Tizta Dallaq | Property: Lions Creek Crossings
Dallaq Market is owned by Lion Creek Crossings residents, Akram and Tizta Dallaq, to serve neighbors and the surrounding community with fresh produce and Middle Eastern food. Akram previously worked for ten years as a parking garage attendant and lived from paycheck to paycheck. The family’s move to affordable housing gave the couple more space for their two children and financial flexibility from lower rent, which enabled them to partner with EBALDC to open the market. They came up with the idea after a nearby Pak ‘N Save closed its doors in the Havenscourt neighborhood, leaving residents (especially seniors) in a food desert without a grocery store within walking distance.
“We were living day to day before, and I never imagined having my own business. But now, anything is possible: There’s potential. It’s about what the community has given us and what we can give back. It was never about money. We just wanted to help the people around us have a better life.”
Resident: Naomi Tonsall | Property: Jack London Gateway
Naomi Tonsall has lived at Jack London Gateway since 2009. She moved to Oakland from San Francisco in 1975 due to her job and wanting to be closer to her children. She previously lived in Oak Center Homes right after the construction of the Interstate 980, where families and houses from different neighborhoods around West Oakland were moved to the coop. She lived there for 27 years, participating in the coop’s board, and was the assistant manager and manager onsite. At Jack London Gateway, she enjoyed the new, ecologically conscious construction of the building and the amenities it offered, including the beautiful garden, nearby transportation, and the feeling of safety for the children on the property.
I’m proud of my age. I’ve lived almost twice as long as my mother. Every day is a gift, and that includes the good and the bad. If you have something bad going on, then do the work to make it better. If it’s good, then you count your blessings.”
(On aging in place and her community involvement)
Resident: Nancy St. Cin | Lion Creek Crossings
Nancy St. Cin moved to Lion Creek Crossings (senior building) when her rent increased and became unaffordable at her apartment in Hayward. Nancy is legally blind and her girlfriend, Irene, also lived with a disability. When Irene passed away in 2014, Nancy fell into depression. Counselling services were offered at the property, and Nancy found herself in a much better place after a year of therapy. Nancy became motivated to get involved with her surrounding community in the building and neighborhood. She got involved with getting seniors active, the renter’s association, and helped launch the Mercy Brown Bag donations.
“Nothing is going to get done unless you have a strong leader to follow.”
(On why she became involved with the Resident Leadership Council)
Resident: Shirley Chung | Property: Madison Park Apartments
Shirley Chung immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1979. She landed in Oakland where her sister also lived and was reunited with siblings. Shirley is one of the original residents at Madison Park Apartments and has lived there for more than 20 years. She has been the president of the former resident association at the building and acted as a volunteer translator for property managers. She also shared tenant concerns with management. Shriley became involved in the Resident Leadership Council again in early 2016. During her time, she has worked on voter engagement projects, like registering voters at Swan’s Market and various fundraising events. She is now advocating for the importance of assigning floor leaders at Madison Park, who act as communication liaisons for their neighbors on the floor and offering her time for planning and nominations of these positions.
“When I was in the refugee camp, I remember the Red Cross helping us. I wanted to give back to my community in the same way.”
(On her community and international involvement.)
Resident: Beverly S. | Property: Lion Creek Crossings
Beverly S. was in transitional housing with the Salvation Army in San Francisco for two years before moving to Lion Creek Crossings (senior building). At Lion Creek Crossings, one of the resident coordinators suggested that Beverly become involved with the Resident Leadership Council. She started hosting a healthy food program to help residents eat healthier and learn about nutrition. Residents participated from all five buildings on the property and met every week for 1 ½ hours since December 2015. Beverely also helped launch a food pantry for healthy eating, which evolved to a weekly brown bag service with fresh produce from the grocery store for residents in the senior building.
“My parents taught me to always reach out and help whoever you can.”
(On her involvement with the Resident Leadership Council and greater community.)