This paper describes an action-research study in which experienced community networks in four Southeast Asian countries collectively reflected on, compared and documented the innovative work they were doing on the ground during the COVID-19 crisis.

The study showed how these networks planned their COVID-19 interventions strategically and used the urgency of the crisis to strengthen and expand their people-driven support systems, tackle the structural causes of poverty and show elements of a more humane, equitable and environmentally sustainable city development model while addressing immediate COVID-19 needs in the communities.