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

Happy Easter

First United Healing Easter 2022 Donate

An Easter greeting from our Acting Executive Director, Amanda Burrows I hope you and your family are enjoying an Easter full of rest, love and reflection. Two weeks ago, I stepped into the role of Acting Executive Director as Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne started her sabbatical. It is an immense honour and privilege to guide […]

‘You Give, We Build’ Continues!

After the great success that the ‘you give, we build’ project had with filling orders during the holiday season, amateur carpenters and long-time supporters Don Robertson and Ross White decided to carry on their project into 2022! Under the name 1/2 Inch Either Way Carpenters, this dynamic duo are taking orders to build furniture and home […]

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 […]

Merry Christmas From All of Us

Dearest Friends, We at First United Church Community Ministry Society would like to wish you all happy holidays! From November until January there are a number of holidays our community celebrates, and Christmas is just one of those. Some of the holidays, starting from November, are : Diwali, Birth of the Báb, American Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, […]

Our Second #GivingTuesday Shelter Gala

Our second #GivingTuesday Shelter Gala was an incredible evening of joy and sharing.  We are excited to share with you, we received over $40,200 in donations toward our mission of providing direct support and advocacy to our neighbours in the Downtown Eastside! We feted our shelter residents with an outstanding meal, shared messages of solidarity and […]

Michelle’s Story: Her Road to Recovery, Healing, and Home

“I don’t think you had the best life, but I think you have a much better life now.” This is what Michelle’s loved one said when she showed him where she used to live in Stanley Park. Michelle is resilient. She’s originally from Fort St. John, and she’s back there now. But for 9 years […]

Fundraising for Homelessness Action Week

As Thanksgiving approaches, we reflect on the things we are grateful for in the past year – family, good food, good health (COVID-19 vaccinations!!!), a warm house and what’s good about our world.  This year, Thanksgiving overlaps with another event, one that hits very close to home for us: Homelessness Action Week – from October 10 to 17. We […]