My name is Darian. I’ve been a Shelter Resource Worker at First United for about two years now. I got into it because I wanted to help people, and I’ve never looked back. It’s not always easy being on the frontlines…but it’s always worth it. 

All across the world, people are staying home to stay safe, and that’s really important. But it’s not possible to stay home when you don’t have housing, or when you depend on community meals to survive. That’s why it’s important for us to keep our services running here in the Downtown Eastside. I’m here to serve this community because it feels like the right thing to do. I keep coming to work because I know I’m needed. 

Right now, going to work is pretty intense.  Some of our shelter residents feel worried. It’s even harder to find permanent housing. The pandemic is putting stress on everybody. But we do the best we can. We wash our hands – over and over again. We spot-clean, we share information on how to stop the spread, and we show compassion and care — from a safe distance. And we keep doing all the work we did before this crisis. Because it’s still needed.

First United is a community.  And it’s a community I’m proud to be a part of. If you are able to make a donation to support our community during COVID-19, it would mean a lot to me.

Thank you for considering. And thanks for being part of this community. Take good care. 

Sincerely,

Darian A. 

Shelter Support Worker, First United

P.S. I keep coming to work because I want to help people. And your support makes it possible. Are you willing to donate today to help keep the First United community safe during COVID-19?