A message to our new city government
The recent municipal election brings new faces of city governance, with ABC Vancouver sweeping Mayor, Councillors, Park Board commissioners, and School Trustees. We congratulate all candidates who ran for their hard work and well-fought campaigns, and for their commitment to engaging the public in important decision-making about our city. The stolen land that Vancouver is […]
Our Third #GivingTuesday Shelter Gala
Our third annual GivingTuesday Shelter Gala is happening this month and we’re making it bigger and better than ever! GivingTuesday is a global movement to encourage generosity and giving back. It falls on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and promotes charitable giving. This year’s GivingTuesday is on November 29th, and the way […]
Fall Newsletter, Eviction Mapping Project, and Spiritual Care Ministry Updates
Sharing exciting updates from FIRST! Check out our latest newsletter with stories from Legal Advocacy, Spiritual Care, and a Frontline Monthly Donor. First United Fall 2022 Newsletter
National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
October 4th is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Today, we honour, remember, and grieve the Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people who’ve been murdered or who’ve gone missing. Today is a day to take action. Thousands of Indigenous women have gone missing, and the related statistics are […]
Truth and Reconciliation: Where to Put Your Orange Guilt
Written by George Flett (Metis and Saulteaux), Shelter Manager, and Lauren Sanders (Prairie Band Potawatomi and Kickapoo), Indigenous Spiritual Care Chaplain. It’s that time again. Today is Truth and Reconciliation Day. Indigenous folks, allies, and people who feel the need to seek reconciliation all don orange shirts and walking shoes. We tell ourselves it’s how […]
Our statement on the Aug. 9 DTES decampment
Yesterday, August 9th, a violent and hostile scene erupted at Main and Hastings, as part of the City’s work to decamp the Hastings Street Tent City. According to the Our Streets report, over 50 Vancouver Police Department officers organized themselves through the intersection of Main and Hastings and assaulted and arrested residents, advocates, community organizers, […]
“See you in a little while…” – A Message From Carmen Lansdowne
As you may have heard, I have been elected as the 44th Moderator of the United Church of Canada, and my new journey begins at my installation this Sunday. I’m humbled that the people of the United Church—many of you—have put your trust in me to be the spiritual leader and public representative for the […]
FIRST UNITED confirms Amanda Burrows as Interim Executive Director
The FIRST UNITED Church Community Ministry Society Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Amanda Burrows has been appointed as Interim Executive Director as of August 7, 2022. Amanda has been Acting Executive Director since March 2022, for the duration of Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne’s sabbatical. The Board is pleased that Amanda will continue […]
The 100-Year Dream for Advocacy
Next year, the FIRST UNITED Legal Advocacy program will turn 50 years old. Only our Meal program andcommunity drop-in pre-date the Advocacy program. It goes to show: people need to be fed, need a safe place to be, and need their rights upheld. Today, the Advocacy program is in high demand, especially for tenancy issues. […]
A Fond Farewell to 320 East Hastings
Communities of Faith gather to say goodbye as we move First Forward On May 20, nearly 40 members of our Communities of Faith gathered at 320 East Hastings to help usdecommission the building with a thoughtful remembrance of the work that took place within the walls about to be dismantled. Led by the Rev. Bob […]