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.
Moving
First Forward
Demand for our services has outgrown our space at 320 East Hastings.
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.
Learn MoreStay in Touch
Sign up for email updates about announcements, invitations, and news about FIRST UNITED!
Latest news
72, on a pension, and facing eviction
Date 24 Mar, 2023
Category Blog
Imagine being 72, on a pension, and suddenly being evicted from your home of 11 years. What would you do? As part of our eviction-mapping project, we recently spoke to a woman on Vancouver Island who was exactly in that position: “It’s been horrible. I’ve never had to do this before. I’ve been here for 11 years. […]
Downtown Eastside charity FIRST UNITED featured on Nicola Wealth Podcast
Date 13 Mar, 2023
Category Blog, First Forward, Redevelopment
Listen to this February edition of the Nicola Wealth podcast featuring FIRST UNITED’s Interim Executive Director Amanda Burrows.
Coldest Night of the Year 2023 Recap
Date 1 Mar, 2023
Category Blog
With snow falling and near-freezing temperature, hundreds of walkers took to the streets of the Downtown Eastside on Saturday for the Coldest Night of the Year. It’s been a few days since, but we’re still buzzing from the excitement of the event and blown away by the support we received from our determined Team Captains […]
Attend an Event
Join us for virtual and in-person events to learn more about FIRST and connect with our community.