In a Time of COVID: Building Thriving Communities What does a thriving community mean to you? At BC Housing, it means a home for everyone, breaking down barriers to people fully participating in society, and working together on a shared commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and reconciliation. It became clear early on in the pandemic that people living outdoors or in a shelter were at higher risk – they could not safely distance. Finding spaces to self-isolate was one of the first steps taken by BC Housing as part of their COVID response. In the northern region of BC, there are now 19 sites offering 161 spaces for people to safely distance. “At these 19 sites, we’re also coordinating daily meals for people. The pandemic has caused food security challenges,” explains BC Housing Operations Director Malachy Tohill. “In addition, as Northern Health recommends regular deep cleaning, we now have enhanced cleaning in BC Housing-managed buildings, and we partner with housing providers to have the same standard in their buildings. Cleaning and essential supplies like masks are an important way we’re helping to protect our social housing tenants.”