Out of the violence of Southeast Asia and into the heart of Allied Drive
0:59 AM 4/20/04
Andy Hall and Dean Mosiman Wisconsin State Journal

Kou Vang and Chen Lao, who both work and have 10 children, are among a growing number of Hmong in Allied Drive. <

The family, like many Hmong, fled violence in Southeast Asia, initially migrating to Sacramento, Calif., in 1981. <

A higher purpose inspired a move to Madison late last year. <

A Christian minister, Kou was chosen as first pastor of the New Salvation Church of God, which meets on the East Side. "We have many people here," he said. "They need to know God, too." <

The family rents from Ger and Sue Vang of Oregon, no relation to Kou, who own the worn, eight-unit building at 2202 Allied Drive. <

All their tenants are Hmong. <

For years, established Hmong have been buying low-cost apartment buildings in Allied Drive and other poor neighborhoods, opening housing for newcomers to make a start - even if conditions aren't the greatest. <

"Our people, we help each other," Sue Vang said. <

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