At Community Builders, we have a large and unique Property Management team, consisting of a Property Director, Property Managers and Maintenance staff. Keeping maintenance in-house allows us to do this work in a way that aligns with our values, making sure we approach residents with compassion and respect in every interaction.

Property Management is responsible for keeping our buildings clean, safe and in good repair. But the work goes beyond that. These buildings are not just workplaces, they are our residents’ homes (something we never lose sight of). We know residents take pride in where they live, and that’s something we work toward every day.

Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for our Property team. Across our sites, they’re repainting patios, pressure washing exteriors and getting buildings ready for the warmer months. At our modular sites, they’re delivering soil to replenish resident gardens and stocking tools so residents can get outside and grow.

All of this is happening on top of the day-to-day tasks that keep our buildings running. One of the biggest challenges in this work is access to resident rooms for repairs or upgrades. Many residents are protective of their spaces, and for good reason. For people who have experienced homelessness, even a short disruption can feel significant. That means a big part of the job is building trust and being open and communicative about the importance of building and fire safety standards.

It’s helpful that our Maintenance staff are on site every day, building relationships with residents. Residents see the work happening around them—whether it’s fixing a clogged toilet, restoring a damaged wall or delivering soil to a garden—and this visibility helps build rapport and a sense of shared space. Our Property team is part of the life of our sites, not just contractors coming and going.

In addition to spring work, our team is supporting a major two-year capital project at the Patricia Hotel. In partnership with BC Housing, the building is undergoing a series of upgrades, including plumbing, electrical, roofing, HVAC, windows and lobby improvements. The elevator was recently modernized as part of the first phase.  

Our Property team plays a key role in coordinating this work and supporting residents through the disruption. This includes working closely with contractors, planning work across different areas of the building, and moving residents into completed rooms while their own units are being upgraded. It’s complex work that relies on logistics, communication and strong relationships. It also requires patience and a listening-first approach.

At the same time, the team continues with its regular responsibilities, including responding to maintenance issues and completing room turnovers. Working hard, staying focused and taking pride in the work is part of the everyday mindset for our Property team. We’re grateful for everything they do to keep our sites running and to support the people who call them home.