Day to day life at First United is a beehive of activity ably managed by staff and volunteers.  Reception opens for business at 8:00 a.m. and staff are met with a line of people needing assistance.

Services

Many come in search of basic toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razors, deodorant, combs) either for use in First’s showers or to take home.

Others come in search of a blanket in order to curl up on the pews,  the floor or the bunk beds for some sleep.  With the help of Host Services, members of the community can access emergency clothing as needed.  Reception staff work hard to remember the names and know the stories of people in the community and are often the first to respond to a need for physical or emotional support.

The office receives and distributes mail for approximately 600 people who use 320 East Hastings as their mailing address.    People are able to pick up their mail between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm on weekdays.  Because the mailing address is 320 East Hastings, it can be used for job applications and all manner of mail. Many people also use this site as a mail drop and we affix a stamp and deliver the mail to the post box.   GST, disability, child tax credit and old age pension cheques are among the large quantity of mail received daily at First. Christmas cards and presents are also sent and received.

Phone messages are taken for members of the community and there is a free public phone available for use in the hall.

Free income tax processing is available for low-income people with over 3,000 tax returns being completed yearly with the assistance of trained volunteers.

Members of the DTES community also receive help with resumes, photocopying and faxing.  The window is a source of information about what is happening at First United and also what is happening in the DTES.