Advocacy

First United Church Advocacy assists thousands of low-income individuals each year, from all over the Lower Mainland; We are not restricted to the Downtown Eastside.

Our services include:

1. Information, advice and/or representation at hearings regarding such legal issues as:*:

 •           Welfare (including disability)

•           Tenancy

•           Employment Insurance

•           WCB

•           Old Age Security

•           Canada Pension Plan (including CPP Disability)

•           Immigration

•           Debt

•           Employment-related issues (e.g. Employment Standards)

•           Human rights

 * Please note that we cannot necessarily offer full assistance or representation in all areas listed above. However, if we are not able to help, we will try to find someone else to take on the issue. 

 2. Help completing forms:

 •           Government forms – e.g. Old Age Security, Victim Assistance, birth certificate applications, Guaranteed Income Supplement, etc.

•           Housing forms.  Note: assistance is limited in this area; we are not able to locate housing for people.

 3. Referrals:

Because we have an extensive knowledge of both legal and community resources, we are often able to help people solve problems by connecting them to appropriate agencies and professionals (e.g City inspectors, physicians, etc.).  Requests for other day-to-day needs and programs are referred to our First United Church community workers at 320 East Hastings Street.

Our office is located at:

542 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1P8. 

The telephone number is: 604-252-9504

 To see an advocate, please sign up during these times:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am – 11 am

Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm