First United exists because of its people: all those who are part of this community in any one of a number of capacities. Some give freely of their time and skills. Some are employed. Some live in the DTES. Some live elsewhere.  Together, we combine to form this vibrant community.

Our vision is to avoid an “us-them” mindset and to enter into relationships that embrace honest mutuality. For that reason we avoid categorizing those who step up to help as somehow occupying a special status within the community. People join the community in many different capacities and for many different reasons. People step us to help in many different ways and to greatly varying degrees. All are deeply appreciated and all are part of this community.

At present we have approximately 60 persons who reside in the Downtown Eastside and over 100 who reside elsewhere who have committed to specific roles within the community. Participants include those who are also members of faith communities – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh  – and those who find First United a good place to share the gifts of their talents and time while receiving the gifts others give to them.