Since March of 2020 BCHS’ dedicated team has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 24/7 compassion and care, ensuring the safety and well-being of our vulnerable residents.

Thanks to our team’s efforts, fewer than 3% of our residents have tested positive for the virus since the start of the pandemic, well below the Citywide and national infection rates.

And our efforts continue to evolve as the nature of the crisis shifts. A multi-faceted campaign resulted in all of our staff and the majority of our supportive housing residents receiving their Covid-19 vaccines; rapid testing kits are regularly distributed, as are high quality KN95 masks; and as many activities and services as possible are delivered outdoors, or in large rooms with good ventilation and plenty of space.

We have also incorporated lessons learned – virtual service options and remote programming now complement our in-person operations, and we have automated many more of our administrative functions, achieving greater efficiency.

We are happy to say that this summer also has felt a little closer to normal –we regularly held our in-person therapeutic art and horticultural groups, along with having trips, movie and pizza nights, and periodic summer BBQs. These activities not only represented a fun respite but also provided opportunities for our formerly homeless residents to further develop their socialization skills and deepen important relationships with their peers.

BCHS will remain diligent and flexible, pivoting as necessary no matter what the next phase of the pandemic brings, committed as always to ensuring that our residents remain healthy and thrive.