Category: First Forward

THANK YOU for making this happen

It’s the first week of the new year and our hearts are filled with gratitude! We’re blown away by how our community has come together, yet again, to make a difference in the Downtown Eastside. Our Christmas campaign has wrapped and we’re thrilled to share that for our programs and services, our supporters have collectively […]

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 […]

Summer Newsletter, Building Construction Updates and Advocacy Plans

Sharing exciting updates from FIRST! Check out our latest newsletter with stories on how we spent the months leading up to the demolition of our 320 East Hastings building. Learn more about our Advocacy program and upcoming plans. First United Summer 2022 Newsletter

Construction Update: Demolition Begins!

Fence is up at 320 E. Hastings to prepare for demolition.

We’re excited to announce that the demolition of our building at 320 East Hastings is now officially underway!   This spring, our remaining staff, programs and services were moved to satellite locations in the Downtown Eastside. Last week, shelter residents were relocated to our newly renovated, state-of-the-art shelter on Alexander Street and by Thursday afternoon, […]

Important Upcoming Dates

It’s finally here! After years of planning and weeks of meetings, inspections, and renovations, we’re prepared to begin demolition on our building at 320 East Hastings Street. On May 24th, staff will clear out of the building for the last time as crews enter to begin their remediation work. It’s with a mix of emotions […]

1 Million Reasons to say Thank You

We have some truly outstanding news to share with you: over the past six weeks, we ran two parallel campaigns for critically-needed donations: we had to raise $450,000 for our ongoing programs and services, and $500,000 for the redevelopment of our new building. It was an ambitious undertaking, but one that we felt optimistic about because our community […]

First Forward Building Connections Campaign

“When you’re out on the streets, you know … it’s cold. Wet. You’re dirty. You wander the streets day and night just to try to stay warm. You feel like you’re useless. You’re worthless.” That’s what Angelo, a member of our community, said when he reflected on the three years that he, his wife Sandy, […]

Fall Newsletter, Redevelopment Updates and Food First

Sharing exciting updates on what’s next for FIRST! Check out our latest newsletter on our redevelopment plans and our brand new food truck. Don’t forget to sign up for upcoming Toast Talks! First United Fall Newsletter – Digital

First United to get a huge makeover

Jen St Denis from The Tyee covers our plans to redevelop our building at 320 East Hastings Street in her article “First United Church, a Downtown Eastside Institution, to Get a Huge Makeover”. “Today, First United’s programs range from a meal program, medical care, tax filing services, help accessing and appealing government benefits, legal help […]