10 Years of Frontline Work
Cristien Donhuysen, Program Manager, describes how frontline work at First United has changed over the past 10 years.
Coldest Night of the Year 2021
February 20, 2021 may have marked Coldest Night of the Year but at First United and across BC our hearts were warm. CNOY is a national fundraising walk to raise awareness and funds for charities that support people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty. After a two-year hiatus, First United participated in CNOY 2021 again and the outpouring […]
Women’s Memorial March
February 14th is the Annual Women’s Memorial March, a gathering and march of grief, love, and justice for missing and murdered women in the Downtown Eastside. In honour of the March, Dr Cheryl Bear, Director of Community Ministry at First United, writes about her relationship to community, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and the Downtown Eastside. “Do […]
Our newest board members
In November 2020, we welcomed three new board directors to the First United fold: the Rev. Jennifer Goddard Sheppard, Chief David Walkem, and Aaron Wilson.
A Spectacular End to 2020
2020 was quite the year. Now that we’ve turned the corner into 2021, we have a renewed hope for what is to come and want to recognize and give our most sincere thanks for the good that you did in 2020. You lifted our spirits and helped our community get through the hardest year in […]
I’m a senior survivor
You could say I’ve had a rough go of it. I was in prison for thirty years. I was never violent or anything…I’d robbed banks, and I paid for it. Three years ago, I got out. Well, when they let you out after 30 years inside, you don’t really have anywhere to go. You’re on […]
Ending Violence Against Women
This post was written by Beverly Brown, Indigenous Spiritual Care Chaplain at First United. December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we’ve lost to it. Today is also a time to take action. Working […]
Our First #GivingTuesday Shelter Gala
December 3, 2020 Update: You did it! You helped us surpass our goal and donated $65,035 towards our mission of providing direct support and advocacy to our neighbours in the Downtown Eastside! Thank you! Read more about the Shelter Gala, and check out videos and pictures below. Didn’t make a gift in time but still […]
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 […]
Stepping Up in Tough Times
This spring, Chandos Construction joined First United for the first time as a platinum sponsor for our 13th Annual Golf Tournament for the Homeless. But when COVID-19 hit, we made the tough decision to cancel the tournament. That meant we faced the loss of more than $100,000 in critical program funds the golf community raises […]