Archives

COVID-19: A Message from Our Executive Director

March 14, 2020 As we continue to serve the community we love so much, First United is monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic closely.   We are taking steps to manage and respond to the evolving circumstances of the pandemic, while following public health statements issued by all levels of government, including the World Health Organization. Our […]

What I learned about generosity from the DTES

Message from Amanda Burrows, Executive Director, on Easter Monday At Easter, we’re reminded of powerful acts of love and generosity. At FIRST UNITED, I see those moments often in the Downtown Eastside. They don’t always make headlines, but they speak deeply to the humanity and generosity that live in this community. I want to share […]

How long-standing change is made

By Rev. Lauren Sanders, Spiritual Care Manager As the Lenten Season ends somberly on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, we reflect on the commitment of Lent: self-reflection, interconnection, and change. In the Christian calendar, Lent is a time to rest and for spiritual renewal: breathe deeply, ground ourselves, change spiritual practices that don’t work for […]

We Are Bringing This Beloved Program Back and More

Put yourself in the often-worn-out shoes of our unhoused neighbours in the Downtown Eastside. Living on Vancouver streets means walking and standing in puddles with your feet in a constant state of dampness, never really getting the chance to dry off. These conditions can cause wounds, itching, painful sores, and cracked skin that can lead […]

Thank you for making CNOY26 the best one ever!

Our 2026 Coldest Night of the Year was a record-breaking event and it’s thanks to everybody who fundraised, volunteered, donated and raised awareness for our work in the Downtown Eastside! We’re excited to share that less than a week after CNOY, we’ve raised over $154,000 together, surpassing our initial goal by over $14,000! This year […]

We love our Communities of Faith!

This fall, we had the pleasure of visiting some of our Communities of Faith congregations. Communities of Faith have been vital supporters of our frontline work since the very beginning, responding to the call for justice and healing in the community. When FIRST UNITED initially started out as a small congregation 140 years ago, we […]

City of Vancouver Votes Against Affordable Housing and for Land Speculation

Last night, the City of Vancouver delivered its latest blow to the affordable housing crisis. After more than 300 people signed up to speak at the public hearing, largely in opposition, Council voted to change the zoning of the Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District (DEOD) so that social housing will be reduced to just 20% of […]

Thank You Thursday: Sixth Annual GivingTuesday Shelter Gala Highlights

On Tuesday, we hosted our Sixth Annual GivingTuesday Shelter Gala and we couldn’t have done it without you! This year, our goal was to raise $100,000 in support of our programs and services that provide essentials for our neighbours in the Downtown Eastside. We’re delighted to share that collectively, you gave: $99,735! That’s just $265 […]

Redevelopment and Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Artwork

Our new building is starting to come alive—construction is progressing smoothly and the exterior artistic elements are beginning to take shape. Public art shares culture, stories, and narratives about a place. It creates a sense of purpose, identity, and pride. Who is included and who is excluded from these public narratives matters—and that’s why we’re […]

Tenant’s Rights Are Heating Up

Ever since the deadly heat dome that scorched the Pacific Northwest in 2021, the impacts of climate change on housing policy have been an area of concern. In 2023, we advocated directly to the Minister of Housing to change the Residential Tenancy Act to disallow landlords from prohibiting tenants to install and use air conditioners. […]