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News & Events
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Chinatown housing agency celebrates 30 years Asian Local Development Corporation looks back on 'connecting communities' Posted in the Oakland Tribune on Saturday, March 19, 2005 Written by Kara Andrade Oakland — Not many people would have imagined a group of college students and neighbors could create a one-stop community service agency in Chinatown capable of operating for three decades. But they did, and it has. On Wednesday, the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation held a gathering to celebrate 30 years of "developing opportunities by connecting communities" at Swan's Marketplace at 901 Washington St.. More than 60 residents, organizations and guests attended a gala that included food, Japanese drumming and dance performances by the Museum of Children's Art. "Thirty years is a sign of maturity," said Executive Director Lynette Jung Lee. "It's a good time to reflect on development and to start thinking about the future and how we can continue to effectively serve the community." The organization was created in 1975 to house community agencies, medical services, an art gallery and retail businesses. It quickly expanded as a nonprofit and has since developed more than 920 affordable apartments and town houses, including five historic renovation structures. The community also benefited from the organization's 97 first-time home ownership units and thousands of square feet of space for neighborhood agencies and small businesses. "Affordable housing is so important, because it's the first step toward helping a family build up individual assets," Lee said. The original mission was to help the low-income Asian and Pacific Islander population gain economic assets.As it grew, the organization served other demographic groups, reflecting Oakland's diversity. Some of its successes include development of affordable housing projects such as The Mar, Madison Park Apartments, The San Pablo and Oak Park Apartments. For 77-year-old Chinese emigre Xing Qing Du, who came here five years ago, the organization provided an opportunity to live with her daughter and have a home away from home in Swan's Apartments. "I like the convenience to shopping and to the park," Quing Du said. "I have made a lot of friends. I do Tai Chi nearby and I go to Chinatown. Right now I am studying for my citizenship exam." For others, such as Brazil Smith, 15, and her 5-year-old niece, Peli Wood, the Swan's Lake apartments provide an opportunity to remain close to family. "I like being able to come outside and play with my niece," Smith said. Oakland Tribune
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Related links: - Oakland Tribune |
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