What it’s like on the front lines right now: A letter from our Shelter Support Staff
My name is Darian. I’ve been a Shelter Resource Worker at First United for about two years now. I got into it because I wanted to help people, and I’ve never looked back. It’s not always easy being on the frontlines…but it’s always worth it. All across the world, people are staying home to stay […]
“Lucky 13th” Annual Golf Tournament for the Homeless – Cancelled
Tournament Update – April 8, 2020 In light of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Golf Tournament for the Homeless. As we face this challenge and associated additional costs, we are asking our community of golfers for support. If your circumstances allow, please consider a donation: You may donate online […]
Press Release: Advocates Call on Minister of Poverty Reduction to Make New Federal Benefits Available to Workers on Welfare
March 27, 2020 – For Immediate Release Vancouver and Victoria – Legal advocacy groups are urgently calling for the provincial government to make legislative changes that would allow British Columbians who both work and receive disability or income assistance cheques to keep the new federal COVID benefits if they qualify, in an effort to protect some […]
First United Pandemic Response: COVID19 Update March 19, 2020
These are challenging times. As we continue to serve the community we love so much, First United is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely and taking steps to respond to keep everyone safe. I wanted to reach out to share with you what we’re doing. We know that this pandemic will hurt people already marginalized the most: people living […]
COVID-19: Events Update
March 17, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting all of us right now, especially the Downtown Eastside community we serve. Taking action to support public health in our community – particularly for those most vulnerable and marginalized – is our civic and moral responsibility. To this end, all First United public events between now and […]
COVID-19: Update March 17, 2020
COVID-19: A Message from The Reverend Doctor Carmen Lansdowne March 17, 2020 Thank you to everyone in First United’s world who has reached out over the past week. We have been busy implementing our pandemic response plan and partnering with other low-barrier service providers to take the most effective immediate actions possible to ensure that […]
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’s on this Spring?
Despite last month’s snow, the sun is out today and the hopeful buds of spring are on their way. There is a lot happening this spring at First United, and many ways you can take part in building our community. How would you like to get involved with First this season? Roddan Lecture Series: Stéphan Corriveau, […]
Response to shootings in the neighbourhood
Since yesterday a series of shootings have taken place in our neighbourhood, with one occurring just shy of our doorstep. Thankfully, our staff and shelter residents are safe. Our hearts go out to those who have been injured and those who love them. We also extend our deep support and solidarity to the bystanders, residents, […]
2019-2020 Roddan Jubilee Lecture Program announced
This year, we are pleased to partner with the Schein Foundation to present the 2019-2020 Roddan Lectures, dedicated to conversations on the affordable housing crisis in and beyond Vancouver. This year’s lectures cover topics related to gentrification, corporatization, inclusion, planning, and resistance, with speakers from the U.S., Quebec, and Vancouver. Cost to attend is $10 […]