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 […]
First United Responds to Appointment of Larry Campbell to Support Coordination in the Downtown Eastside
First United acknowledges today’s announcement that the Province has appointed former Mayor and Senator Larry Campbell to convene and coordinate partners in the Downtown Eastside. The Downtown Eastside is a vibrant community of resilient and resourceful people who deserve real, lasting solutions to homelessness and drug overdose crises. We know too well that efforts in […]
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. […]
The Story of FIRST UNITED is a Story about People
In May 1885, a small group of people gathered at the Hastings Mill schoolhouse for a church service. That small congregation started a history that would extend over a century—that was the start of FIRST UNITED. “Vancouver” wasn’t even the name for the city yet. The Canadian Pacific Railway didn’t yet extend to the town […]
Celebrating 140 years of Dignity, Belonging and Justice
A message from Amanda Burrows, Executive Director On a Sunday in May 1885, a small congregation met together for its first church service at the Hastings Mill schoolhouse. That congregation evolved into what FIRST UNITED is today. 140 years later, we’re known as one of the oldest service providers in the community, bringing dignity, belonging […]
The Downtown Eastside is our neighbour
Written by Rev. Lauren Sanders (Prairie Band Potawatomi/mshkodéni bodewadminwen, Kickapoo Nation of Kansas/kiikaapoa, African American/Black), Indigenous Spiritual Care Chaplain, for Good Friday The Downtown Eastside is our neighbour. But we often don’t see that reflected in our society or in government policies. This Holy Week, as Christians remember the events that led to the crucifixion […]
A Crisis Within a Crisis
Written by Freya Podlasly, Tāłtān and Nlaka’pamux (First Nation), Community Intern for FIRST UNITED To begin this two-part series, I would like to begin by introducing myself. My name is Freya Podlasly, I am a Tāłtān and Nlaka’pamux (First Nations) youth and a UBC student. The purpose of this is to reflect on recent developments […]