Tenth-grader Munee Cheng dreams of one day becoming an elementary teacher or a chef and has found the perfect place to pursue her dreams—the Indochinese Housing Development Corporation (IHDC). IHDC works with youth in the Tenderloin and provides them with job opportunities and internships.
Cheng lives in the neighborhood and “loves the Tenderloin.” Although she admits that she had to grow up fast; being exposed to homelessness, drug users and dealers and prostitution. “I’m just used to it now,” says Cheng. “I lived here my whole life—I’m not scared of my neighborhood.”
Unlike many teenagers, Cheng says she enjoys being by herself. Sometimes she hangs out downtown to check up on the latest fashions; for fun she likes to try on clothes, even if she knows she’s not buying.
Most of all Cheng likes walking around her neighborhood.
“Everything I need is right here,” she says.
But, the harsh realities of the criminal activities in the area cannot be forgotten. Currently, Cheng along with the IHDC are working on a letter to Mayor Newsom regarding the fatal shooting of a man at the corner store on Eddy and Leavenworth streets. The murder occurred just blocks from the IHDC.
“We’re writing to him [Mayor Newsom] to ask him what he’s going to do for the TL,” says Cheng.
Cheng and those in the community just want to live in a place where they can feel safe, especially at night. And, the IHDC works not only to ensure an affordable place to live, as well as an affable one.
“What’s crazy is these things are happening and the police station is right there!” says Cheng, referring to the station on Eddy.
IHDC and the youth who work helped to renovate that same corner store. The owner agreed to take down the alcohol and other advertisements. Cheng and others replaced them pictures of kids in the neighborhood. Mayor Newsom even came out to see the finished project.
“When I saw the before and after pictures it was unbelievable,” says Cheng. “And now they’re like a mini-Safeway; they have groceries too.”
Those involved in the renovation even traveled to Hunter’s Point to help them get started on similar corner stores. They gave a presentation about the renovation got started.
Youth who work at IHDC also help educate their peers. They have created brochures about smoking, alcohol and nutrition. The nonprofit organization recently received a small grant to educate kids on the dangers of junk food.
“I like talking to other kids about the brochures because I want to be a teacher one day,” says Cheng.
Cheng is also anticipating the Cambodian New Year Festival at the Tenderloin Recreation Center in April. Since Cheng is the daughter of Cambodian immigrants—her father is a maintenance supervisor for the Tenderloin Housing Clinic—-this celebration is especially fun for her. There will be food and traditional dances and music.
“I’m really looking forward to the fashion show,” says Cheng with a big smile on her face. “It should be a lot of fun.”
The sixteen-year-old has been working for IHDC since she was fourteen.
“It’s the kind of job that helps me with my homework, and I get to be involved,” says Cheng.
The Washington High School student knows how important her education is, and maintains a 3.0 GPA. Her favorite class is Ethnic Literature.
“I do like to T.A. too so I can grade the papers,” says Cheng.
Five days a week after school Cheng goes to work serving the community and educating her peers. While most of schoolmates work in retail, Cheng knows what a colossal opportunity she has.
“Well sometimes I think working for Jamba Juice wouldn’t be so bad because I love their drinks,” says Cheng. “But I wouldn’t do that.”
