A Message from the CEO

I am so pleased to be able to share that this will be our final COVID Brief to you all. I am extremely proud of how our province has pulled together, stayed calm, kind and safe to have one of the best outcomes in the world in regards to the spread of the pandemic.

I want to thank all of you, the Residents of Brightside, for taking this seriously and avoiding outbreaks within our community. I also want to thank Brightside staff from the bottom of my heart for their hard work, flexibility, resilience and creativity in adapting to so many unknowns over the last few months.

While we need to stay vigilant to avoid a second wave and continue practices like wearing a mask when out in public and washing hands frequently and thoroughly, I am so pleased we can relax a bit and bring back some normal activities into our lives.

This will be our last brief unless we need to resume frequent communications. Thanks again for all you do to make our community strong and safe.

Sincerely,
BRIGHTSIDE COMMUNITY HOMES FOUNDATION

Brightside Brief

Looking back over the course of the past five months, one cannot help but acknowledge the challenges facing people around the world. As individuals, and as an organization, we have learned to manage these situations creatively, finding solutions amidst adversity. We hope to see this continuing trend of decline and re-emergence, and appreciate everyone’s input and feedback thus far.

That said, we must continue to be vigilant in reducing the spread of COVID-19, and more importantly, be prepared for a potential second wave. The health and safety of Brightside residents and staff continue to be our highest priority.

Looking ahead, Brightside is looking forward to transitioning from bi-weekly briefs to introducing a more community-based newsletter that will be distributed monthly. Planned to start distribution in August, the community-based newsletter will highlight informative, relevant local updates pertaining to both Brightside and to the broader community.

Even though we are ending the weekly COVID-19 Brief, we continue to invite anyone experiencing extraordinary hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to contact our office by phone or by email and we may be able to provide assistance. You can contact us by email at info@brightsidehomes.ca, or leaving a voicemail at 604-684-3515 for more information.

As always, we continue to request that residents confirmed to have COVID-19 inform Brightside immediately. Your privacy is of paramount importance to Brightside and this information will be taken in confidence to help ensure protective measures are taken. And remember: Practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and stay safe.

Second Wave Prep Tips

• Seek information from trusted and reputable sources. These may include sources like the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the Government of Canada, CBC, and the World Health Organization.

• Take a break from the news. Limit the amount of time you spend watching the news and engaging with social media. It is crucial that we stay informed during this time, but constantly checking for updates or reading sensationalized stories can take a toll on your mental health.

• Prepare supplies. It’s hard to predict exactly what will happen next, but preparing for situations like self-isolation can help reduce some uncertainty about the future. It is advised to keep two weeks of supplies at home in case you have to quarantine, or if the city introduces distancing/isolation measures again. This includes food, household products, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.

• Have a personal care plan. Talk to your support system, whether it involves family, friends, neighbours, doctors, counselors, or all other care workers. Let them know how you are doing and make sure that someone is checking in with you regularly.

• Seek extra help or support when you need it. People feel anxious about the future at the best of times, and many people have never encountered a pandemic like this before. It’s okay if you need help. If you need more information about local services or you just need someone supportive to talk to, call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 (no area code) at any time.

• Set up Pre-authorized Debit for rent payment. If you are used to dropping off cash or cheques at the Brightside office, this might be an easier solution for you moving forward. The PAD program saves time and helps ensure rent payments are not late or missed. There are no fees to sign up. If you would like to sign up for Pre-Authorized Debit, you can download the form HERE, or contact the office to have a Pre-Authorized Debit application form sent to you by email or by Canada Post.

• Remain diligent about handwashing and using sanitizer when you can’t get to soap and water.

• Make sure you are wearing a mask when needed and keep adequate distance from others when in public spaces.

• Stay home if you are sick. If you are concerned that you may have contracted COVID-19, call 8-1-1 to advise about testing.

• Keep up those hobbies! Now that stores are opening up again, it will be easier to get books and supplies at more reasonable prices.