BC Eviction Mapping: Justice Alongside Charity
Last week we released our initial findings from the BC Eviction Mapping project. The project is the first of its kind in BC, and our first official systems change project that challenges the systems that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty, homelessness, and marginalization. Work on this project began almost a year ago—a testament […]
Downtown Eastside charity FIRST UNITED featured on Nicola Wealth Podcast
Listen to this February edition of the Nicola Wealth podcast featuring FIRST UNITED’s Interim Executive Director Amanda Burrows.
First United Church Social Housing Society has transferred ownership to Sch’eyk Housing Society, operated by Lu’ma Native Housing Society
Today we are sharing that First United Church Social Housing Society (FUCSHS) has transferred ownership to Sch’eyk Housing Society, operated by Lu’ma Native Housing Society. The decision for Lu’ma to operate the Housing Society came after careful consideration and negotiation between FUCSHS Board and staff leadership of FUCSHS, and leadership from Lu’ma Native Housing Society. […]
Eliminating Renter Office contradicts ABC’s election promise
This op-ed was originally published in The Vancouver Sun on January 24, 2023. You can find the op-ed on The Vancouver Sun’s website. Opinion: Without this resource, more vulnerable individuals and families will be at immediate and increased risk of displacement and homelessness. By Katie Koncan, Director of Development and Communications, and Amanda Burrows, Interim […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]