Habitat for Humanity East Bay

The Ma/Lu Family

For Quang Ma and Binh Lu having a strong family is essential to the success of the individual and their children. Quang and Binh took a risk when they of immigrated from Vietnam in hopes of creating a better future for their kids, Chan Ma (16 year-old daughter) and Du Ma (13 year-old son). There goals were simple: provide their children a life with opportunity and the freedom to express themselves. Although these goals were simple, reaching them has not.

When Quang and Binh first moved to America to be closer with their relatives, they believed that opportunity would follow. Despite the challenges of a new country, new language and new community they both work managed to get full time jobs – Quang as manufacturing company running heavy machinery and Binh as a seamstress – that provided them with the bare essentials. But, it quickly became apparent that with so many barriers to success, the family found that moving up was near impossible. Despite their hard work, Quang and Binh found that they were just keeping their heads above water.

Like many others, the family turned to public rental housing as the solution to their needs. And, despite putting a roof over their heads, the living conditions were tough – their central heat was broken, the area was plagued with violence, and the cost of rent continued to go up despite the conditions never improving. Most of all, they were worried that that they were not providing an environment where their children had a chance to succeed. In the cramped apartment and surrounding community they had no privacy to concentrate on their studies and pursue their passion for the art and sports. As parents, Quang and Binh were devastated that they could not provide an environment were their children had a chance to succeed.

When the Ma/Lu family heard about Habitat East Bay they knew that it was the opportunity that they had been looking for. Homeownership, they feel, will give them the independence and the environment where their entire family can thrive.

“Having our own home means our dreams have come true.” Says Quang. “When we first came to the U.S., we suffered a lot and experience a difficult life. I think it will change my life and our family’s life a lot.”