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 […]
Care During COVID-19
“COVID-19 has been scary, but I’ve felt taken care of here,” says Alex, a resident of First United’s women’s shelter since January. As word spread about the threat of COVID-19 in early March, things in the Downtown Eastside started to change quickly. “I remember the day they had to start the distancing. It’s usually so […]
Not-so-Lucky 13: This Year’s Golf Tournament for the Homeless
This week, we were meant to host First United’s 13th Annual Golf Tournament for the Homeless: “Lucky 13,” we’d called it. Seems funny looking back now! But as with so many plans this spring, it was not to be. When the seriousness of COVID-19 set in, we made the tough decision to cancel the tournament. We knew everyone’s health […]
10 Weeks in a Pandemic: Reflections from The Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne
My office looks out over East Hastings from the second floor of our beat up, old building in the Downtown Eastside. Some mornings as I arrive, I take a breath and look out the window to the street below. It’s a brief opportunity for reflection in what has been a whirlwind ten weeks. Being the […]
Your Input Needed: Take the First United Survey
First United is considering a plan to construct a brand new, multi-purpose building to replace our aging facility. That plan includes potentially undertaking a major Capital Campaign to raise the funds needed. As part of the feasibility study, we need your help! STEP 1: Click here to read the Project Overview. The Project Overview document will […]