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Regent Park residents, Nayeon Kim and Maseeda Majeed, initiated one of three pods currently operating in Regent Park. Both Nayeon and Maseeda are a part of the Regent Park Social Development Planning table which is where the two first met and eventually realized they were neighbours. Coming to the realization that they lived on the same street for a few years without knowing each other, they wanted to find a way to strengthen their community. Thus, giving birth to the pods. Inspired by a similar imitative in Parkdale, Nayeon and Meseeda began spreading the word about the pods to others on their street. Their method for getting the word out was very simple and effective: Maseeda and Nayeon put up flyers on their street with information about the pods including their contact information. When asked if they would recommend other communities starting their own pods, Maseda said, “I definitely would encourage folks as it is a great way to connect to people right now during COVID-19 and having a relationship with your neighbours. It’s a very healthy way to live!” Nayeon went on to mention her own childhood and how she was close with her neighbours and she realized how much she missed having a community amongst her neighbours. This desire inspired the pods.

By Ella Coccimiglio

Ella is a summer journalist with the FOCUS Media Arts Centre