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They are ensuring that the 2,000 agencies delivering social services can operate through the pandemic. For people on income and disability assistance, the province will use a “crisis supplement model” to provide additional money, Simpson said.

They are also forming a plan for assistance cheque day next Wednesday, when drug overdoses and deaths are expected to spike.

“We know this is a challenging time for all British Columbians,” Simpson said. “It’s a challenging time around the anxiety that’s created by this virus, and the anxiousness, and that is even more challenging for people who are living vulnerable.”

On Friday, Robinson’s ministry told non-profits that no one may be evicted from any B.C. Housing-funded building because of nonpayment of rent during the COVID-19 crisis.

Asked about putting a broader moratorium on evictions, Robinson said more details about the government’s plan to support all renters, including financial relief, will be presented in the coming days.

“I know that many people are worried about how they are going to make ends meet, put food on the table and pay rent,” Robinson said.

“We do know and are very well aware that the next rent payment is coming up soon, and I want to reassure those who are afraid of losing their homes because they can’t pay their rent that help is on the way.”

She said ministers are working to ensure people can self-isolate if they are homeless or living in private SROs or social housing buildings. They are preparing 16 housing sites across the province to achieve this.