Asian Pacific Self-Development And Residential Association (APSARA)

Asian Pacific Self-Development And Residential Association (APSARA) was formed in 1989 by a resident group of 35 refugee families who lived in Park Village Apartments (PVA), a deteriorated and unsafe 230-unit apartment complex. The 35 families (7 to 12 members in each family) were experiencing severe economic hardship and trauma after fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime. After losing four children to g** violence and tired of desolate living conditions, APSARA was organized to build a safe community with affordable housing, a safe place for community and youth, self-determination, and economic opportunity, purchasing PVA from HUD for $1 in 1993.