We Are
FIRST UNITED
For over 135 years, we’ve been on a mission to seek a just society by nurturing each person’s spirit through ministry, housing, advocacy, and community service.
We Are
FIRST UNITED
For over 135 years, we’ve been on a mission to seek a just society by nurturing each person’s spirit through ministry, housing, advocacy, and community service.
Move First Forward
Buy a Brick
When you buy a symbolic brick for $50, you’ll help inspire healing and possibility in the neighbourhood and put reconciliation into action.
How We Help
We seek a just society by nurturing each person’s spirit through community services, housing, advocacy, and ministry in the face of the often-intersecting challenges of extreme poverty, historical and personal trauma, mental illness, and oppression in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
View all Programs
How You Help
Be a part of building better futures through our Community Giving Program, volunteering, attending an event, or subscribing to our newsletter. However you choose to get involved, you can help us remain agile and responsive and meet the most pressing needs of our time.
How You Can Help
A Sanctuary Within our Community
We are on the frontlines
Our Work
We’re building better futures by responding to the most pressing needs of our community: providing essential services, connection, and healing. We provide direct support to our neighbours in the Downtown Eastside and advocate for compassion, dignity, and justice for the community.
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Sign up for email updates about announcements, invitations, and news about FIRST UNITED!
Latest news
FIRST UNITED Statement: Supportive Housing Motion Passes
Date 27 Feb, 2025
Category Blog
Yesterday, Vancouver City Council voted to pass the motion to pause net-new supportive housing projects within Vancouver. After listening to over 80 speakers, including the FIRST UNITED Executive Director and Board Chair, overwhelmingly voice their opposition, Council chose to move forward with a damaging motion that will exacerbate homelessness and the affordable housing crisis and […]
Coldest Night of the Year 2025 Recap
Date 25 Feb, 2025
Category Blog, Events
Coldest Night of the Year 2025 was a massive success! We had our biggest CNOY ever, and it’s thanks to all who walked, fundraised, donated, volunteered and raised awareness for the Downtown Eastside. We’re so thrilled to announce that we ended the night exceeding our goal of $120,000, and as of today, we’ve surpassed $126,000 […]
Thank You Thursday: Fifth Annual Shelter Gala Highlights
Date 5 Dec, 2024
Category Blog
We hosted our Fifth Annual GivingTuesday Shelter Gala and it couldn’t have gone any better! In fact, it was the biggest Shelter Gala fundraiser ever! Collectively, you gave: over $89,300! That means we’ve exceeded our Shelter Gala fundraising goal by $14,300! We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you! Every dollar […]
Attend an Event
Join us for virtual and in-person events to learn more about FIRST and connect with our community.