A new home for our community
Our new facility is a testament to community support
Our new building at 320 East Hastings Street is now open! Thanks to your support, thousands of our neighbours in the Downtown Eastside have a new purpose-built space where they can access dignity, belonging and justice for decades to come.
Take a tour of our building.
Photos of our spaces
FIRST UNITED's Historic Milestone in the Downtown Eastside
On June 1st, we celebrated the completion of our redevelopment in the Downtown Eastside with an art unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony. "Today, we are marking a milestone. The completion of our redevelopment. It represents our commitment to community, our commitment to reconciliation, and our commitment to showing up and adapting to the needs of this community." - Amanda Burrows
Click to watch the video
Our road ahead together
In addition to expanding our existing programs, our first year of operation will include the launch of new programs that meet needs identified by the DTES community. We know needs will continue to evolve and with your support, through gifts, advocacy, prayers, attention and time, we will continue to adapt and respond.
How you can help
We've surpassed our $39 million campaign goal and are mortgage-free! Now, we're working towards a stretch goal of $40 million to cover costs related to start-up, furnishing and activation, contingency planning, and long-term sustainability. Will you make a gift today to help us start strong in our new space?
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SubscribeMeeting the needs of our community
Our new home offers space for low-barrier programs and services that uphold dignity, belonging and justice and meet the expressed needs of the DTES community. We’ll be expanding our programs gradually to ensure a smooth transition.
Accessible toilets in washrooms on each floor.
Current programs
Washrooms
Located on every floor, these clean, safe toilets provide privacy and dignity, and meet an urgent need for accessible washrooms in the DTES neighbourhood.
Community Hub
From clothing and hygiene products to toiletries and crisis response, the Hub is where community members can access basic essentials and get informed referrals.
Meal Program
Our dining area provides a comfortable place to enjoy breakfast and lunch, and opportunities to socialize. In our new space, we're increasing our meal service to provide 180,000 meals per year.
Legal Advocacy Clinic
Our Legal Advocacy Clinic handles 1,600+ cases every year and offers free legal advice and representation to community members on a range of issues, the majority of which are tenancy related.
Systems Change
We work to change structures and systems that keep people marginalized, predominantly through our law reform work, which focuses on increasing tenant protections to reduce homelessness.
Tax Clinic
We process thousands of tax returns each year for low-income individuals and families who face barriers to filing their taxes. Millions of dollars are returned to the pockets of community members annually.
Mail & Phone Program
We offer public phones and charging stations and act as a mailing address for 300+ people, helping them access critical services that require a fixed address like housing, jobs, government services, and voting.
Drop-in Spaces
In these welcoming spaces, community members can find acceptance, connect with each other, participate in social activities, or just sit quietly with a cup of tea.
Warming and Cooling Centre
Our first floor can serve as an official warming or cooling centre for up to 200 people. Our HVAC system’s air circulation and filtration allow us to provide wildfire smoke refuge for up to 470 people across all four floors.
Outdoor Gathering Area
Our large and accessible outdoor deck provides space for outdoor programming and cultural ceremonies. It includes a sound system for music and events, a covered smoking area, and features Indigenous landscaping.
Spiritual Care
We offer faith-based support to those who seek it. We are trained to provide trauma-informed and culturally-safe spiritual care, informed by social justice, particularly for Indigenous community members.
Sacred Space
Our Sacred Space is a place for reflection but also memorials, celebrations and a variety of other services. It has been designed for multi-faith and Indigenous traditional practices and ceremony.
Shelter (offsite)
Our 51-bed, trans-inclusive, pet-friendly shelter is continuing to operate offsite at a dedicated, purpose-designed location on Alexander Street. Case planners work with residents to find them permanent housing.
We're bringing back the Foot Care program
Put yourself in the often worn-out shoes of our unhoused neighbours in the Downtown Eastside. Living on Vancouver streets means walking great distances and standing for hours, often in puddles with your feet in a constant state of dampness, never really getting the chance to dry off.
Read here
Private shower stalls where community members can wash.
Coming soon - future programs
Showers
Our dedicated shower facility includes fully accessible and private shower stalls, providing a safe environment for community members to wash.
Foot Care
An opportunity for community members to relax, enjoy a foot soak, access foot health items like clean socks, and socialize with volunteers and other community members.
Collaborative Spaces
Three multi-purpose rooms provide flexible and adaptable spaces for a variety of events, programming and collaborations with community and other service providers.
Library
Our library provides access to computers, internet and books, allowing DTES residents to stay connected to loved ones and access information and other online resources.
Women's Day Sleeping
A safe, comfortable space for daytime rest when traditional shelters are closed. This space is specifically for self-identified women who are unable to find overnight shelter due to work or availability, or who feel unsafe sleeping at night.
Cafe
A small, all-day food service offered at our first floor drop-in where community members can get tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks anytime, helping to ensure that missing a meal won't mean going hungry.
Reconciliation in action
One of the most visible ways our commitment to reconciliation is represented in our new building is through the inclusion of Xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) art on the exterior. These beautiful works by Host Nation artists welcome community into the space.
House Post, Brent Sparrow, Xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam)
A House Post by Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) artist Brent Sparrow. Brent began showing his awareness and knowledge of traditional interests in Coast Salish art as he started working with his mother, Musqueam artist Susan A. Point. Brent continues to use legendary stories in his artwork to avoid them being forgotten within the Musqueam community.
House Post, Floyd Joseph, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)
A House Post by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artist Floyd Joseph, a junior elder and hereditary chief. Floyd shared that he wants “to put a welcome figure in our territory in the DTES because our brothers and sisters need to be held up and deserve our medicine, too. No one is forgotten in my territory.”
House Post, Jonas Jones, səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)
A House Post by səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) artist Jonas Jones, who says: “Our art represents who we are, where we come from, the ancestors who were here before us, and the people that are still here today. At one point in time, our way of life was near extinction due to colonization. And the stories being told left out the genocide and wrongful taking of our territories.”
Art Panels, Mack Paul—kʷəlasəltən, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)
Art panel designs by visual artist Mack Paul—kʷəlasəltən, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), feature on the Hastings Street façade and at the entrance to the residential floors on Gore Avenue. Mack says: "It is important to me to share our stories and language to the settlers and visitors on our territory and art is the medium that has quickly taken to me these past few years to do so."
Vertical Sunscreens, Ocean Hyland—ts;simtelot, səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)
Vertical sunscreens on the western elevation have custom fabricated panels with laser-cut images by the carver, weaver and visual artist Ocean Hyland—ts;simtelot, səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). She says, "I am continually learning how to navigate what it means to be an Indigenous artist upholding the values of my community as well as the values held in creating art in the contemporary world."
Brickwork Pattern, Debra Sparrow—ΘƏLIΧʷƏLʷƏT, Xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam)
A brickwork weave pattern blankets the outdoor deck and lightwell, designed by Xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) master weaver Debra Sparrow—ΘƏLIΧʷƏLʷƏT. Debra is self-taught, and was part of a group of women weavers who, in the 1980s, lead a rejuvenation of the Salish Weaving tradition, reconstructing lost weaving techniques by studying anthropology texts and blankets passed down within families and displayed in museums.
Totem Pole, Community Carvers, Downtown Eastside
In November 2010, Bernie Williams—Skundaal, of the Haida Gwaii Nation, guided a group of 10 First Nations carvers who carved this totem pole in the parking garage of the old FIRST UNITED as a gift for those experiencing homelessness in the Downtown Eastside. It serves as a way to remember the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.
Why including art matters
Informed by conversations with Indigenous consultants, the exterior of the building respectfully integrates works by Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh artists, holding space for Host Nation art on traditional Host Nation lands, contributing to an ongoing revival of Salish art forms, and standing as a visual welcome to the community.
Watch hereHow we got here
Recognizing that demand for our services had outgrown the capacity of our two-storey, 1960s church building, we decided to explore the possibility of an ambitious redevelopment. The evolution of an idea first floated in 2010, the redevelopment would include expanded, purpose-built space for our services as well as permanent housing on site. Following sensitive listening engagements in community and feasibility studies in 2017/18, we formally launched the project in 2020. Our capital campaign went public the following year.
From demolition to completion
Watch behind-the-scenes videos
Demolition timelapse
Brickwork installation timelapse
Project Milestones
In 2017, we embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project. Here are some of the key milestones.
June
2017
FIRST and CitySpaces complete a sensitive listening study to identify DTES residents’ needs.
October
2017
FIRST and CitySpaces complete a redevelopment feasibility study.
September
2019
FIRST and CitySpaces begin a process of community engagement and consultation.
Early
2019
FIRST UNITED and Lu’ma Native Housing Society form a partnership.
Redevelopment stories
Thank you for moving First Forward
Our new building stands today thanks to the generosity of over 1,800 donors who believed in our vision for this building and neighbourhood. Your contribution has already made an impact in the Downtown Eastside and will continue to make an impact for generations to come.
Leadership Donors
Transformative Donors
4 Anonymous Donors
Aldergrove United Church Bob & Barb Atkinson
Dr. Heather Clarke
The Comart Foundation
The Denny-Jiles Family
Gilmore Park United Church The Hieros Foundation
Jubilee United Church The Krogseth Foundation
The Lightburn Family Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
Marion Man & Scott Shaw, The Chin Wei Foundation
The McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
Pacific Spirit United Church The Pejman Family
Carol Smallwood
Randy Smallwood
Frequently Asked Questions
Lu'ma Housing Questions
How do I apply for housing?
Housing applications and assignments are handled directly by our housing partner, Lu’ma Native Housing Society. Housing is prioritized for Indigenous individuals. The building is for adults only, not families.
You can review Lu'ma's application process and download the application form on their website at https://lnhs.ca/luma-native-housing-society#apply.
Please note, Lu'ma manages a total of 21 housing properties including the new housing above FIRST UNITED. They will offer opportunities when units become available in any of these properties. There is no way to apply exclusively for the homes above FIRST UNITED.
You can review Lu'ma's application process and download the application form on their website at https://lnhs.ca/luma-native-housing-society#apply.
Please note, Lu'ma manages a total of 21 housing properties including the new housing above FIRST UNITED. They will offer opportunities when units become available in any of these properties. There is no way to apply exclusively for the homes above FIRST UNITED.
When housing is such a need in the DTES, why is FIRST UNITED only focusing on Indigenous housing needs?
Nearly 40% of residents of the DTES identify as Indigenous, as opposed to only 2-4% in the Greater Vancouver Area. Rebuilding a church was not possible without building housing (required by the City of Vancouver). As we were committed to providing as much housing as possible and for the most vulnerable, the Board made a decision to align an organizational priority of reconciliation with building housing for urban Indigenous peoples. Reconciliation is not only a strategic priority for us and the United Church of Canada, it is also a government priority, and as such we were able to leverage various funding agreements to reduce the capital cost of providing affordable housing for urban Indigenous peoples.
Will members of the FIRST community be eligible for housing in the Lu’ma units?
Eligible community members can apply directly to Lu’ma. Tenant selection will follow Lu’ma’s organizational processes and procedures in compliance with BC Housing affordable and supportive housing operating agreements. At FIRST, our case managers will be able to make referrals, but we cannot guarantee housing to community members seeking other services at FIRST.
Why is Lu’ma Native Housing Society the operator of the housing?
Lu’ma is an indigenous-led organization with a decades-long history of providing culturally safe housing. They have over 40 years of experience operating housing in Vancouver and currently manage 21 properties. Their model is values-aligned with our own, focused on dignity, belonging, healing and community. Lu'ma also provides supportive services to help tenants build community, maintain their housing, and thrive. These services, combined with services accessible through FIRST UNITED, will offer a level of wraparound support that we hope will serve as a model for future social housing developments. In addition, Lu'ma's input during the early design stages of this project also ensured that the housing on-site was designed with Indigenous community practices and ways of being in mind and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership and guidance.
How much do the below-market units cost to rent?
Tenants will pay up to $600 a month (maximum). Of the 103 total spaces, 60% are affordable and 40% are supportive. This includes 54 studios (20 supportive, 34 affordable rentals) and 49 one-bedroom units (15 supportive, 34 affordable rentals). Supportive units are subsidized at shelter rates while affordable units follow a rent-geared-to-income model.
How large are the housing units?
Studio sizes range slightly, with adaptable studios being around 360 square feet and accessible studios around 420 square feet. One-bedroom unit sizes also range slightly, with adaptable units being around 500 square feet and accessible units a bit over 600 square feet.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, all Lu'ma properties allow pets. There are no set restrictions (e.g. one dog versus two, size of pets, etc.). Applicants are simply asked to share information about their pets when they apply so that Lu'ma can take into consideration when determining which units and housing properties would best suit the tenants' needs.
Do housing residents access the building through FIRST?
No. Our main entrance is on the corner of East Hastings and Gore Avenue and holds the 320 East Hastings address. The entrance for housing units is on the southwest corner of Gore Avenue and the address is 438 Gore Avenue.
Do residents have access to FIRST services and programs?
Yes! As our services are open to everyone in the community, all residents in Lu’ma housing will have access to our programs and services offered, including meals.
Governance Structure Questions
Who owns the land at 320 East Hastings?
We do! The Pacific Mountain Regional Council of the United Church of Canada transferred the property at 320 E Hastings to FIRST UNITED in September 2020 and we remain the owner of this property.
How was the housing portion funded?
The housing portion of the project was funded by grants from all three levels of government, including:
• the federal government via the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) National Housing Co-investment Fund
• the Province of British Columbia via BC Housing through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund and the Supportive Housing Fund, and
• the City of Vancouver via municipal waivers and funding from the Community Housing Incentive Program
• the federal government via the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) National Housing Co-investment Fund
• the Province of British Columbia via BC Housing through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund and the Supportive Housing Fund, and
• the City of Vancouver via municipal waivers and funding from the Community Housing Incentive Program
How was FIRST UNITED's portion funded?
By donors! Approximately 35% was funded by an incredibly generous private foundation, 30% by United Churches and United Church institutions, 6% by corporate donors, 2% by grants, and 27% by individual donors. In total just over 1,800 foundations, corporations, communities of faith and individuals made this project possible. Their generosity is a testament to what we can achieve together when we work collectively toward our shared goals of a neighbourhood where everybody's worth is celebrated and all people thrive.
Who holds the mortgage?
FIRST UNITED's portion of the project (levels 1-4) is mortgage-free thanks to the generous support of donors who helped us exceed our $39 million fundraising target for the building. There is a $10 million mortgage on the housing portion of the project (levels 5-11) which is held by Lu’ma Native Housing Society against a 60-year leasehold interest.
Community Engagement Questions
What steps did you take to engage in consultation with relevant communities and stakeholders?
We undertook numerous studies and community consultations to understand the needs of the community we serve and to gauge the level of public and government support for the project. These included:
• Sensitive listening study with the DTES community conducted by CitySpaces in 2017
• A redevelopment feasibility study conducted by CitySpaces in 2018
• Community engagement with the assistance of CitySpaces in 2019/2020
• Regulatory engagement conducted by Ideaspace in 2020
• A capital campaign feasibility study performed by Waller & Associates in 2020
• A community pop-up session to present our Development Permit application to the community we serve in 2020
• Sensitive listening study with the DTES community conducted by CitySpaces in 2017
• A redevelopment feasibility study conducted by CitySpaces in 2018
• Community engagement with the assistance of CitySpaces in 2019/2020
• Regulatory engagement conducted by Ideaspace in 2020
• A capital campaign feasibility study performed by Waller & Associates in 2020
• A community pop-up session to present our Development Permit application to the community we serve in 2020
How does this project support awareness and education efforts around reconciliation?
We honour that we do our work on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil–Waututh (MST) peoples. We solemnly acknowledge the interconnected histories of colonization and systemic racism that affect generations of Indigenous people living in this territory and urban Indigenous peoples from other territories, including those we serve. Our commitment to reconciliation informed the planning, implementation, and design of our project in ways that we hope will inspire how others approach development and community projects in the future. We:
• Performed extensive consultations with the FIRST UNITED community and added new services and spaces to address their needs.
• Incorporated Indigenous cultural elements into the design of the building in a culturally respectful and appropriate way, informed by direct consultation and input from Luugigyoo Dr. Patrick Stewart, Nisga’a architect, and Xalek/Sekyu Siyam Chief Ian Campbell.
• Ensured that the building’s dedicated Sacred Space and Outdoor Gathering Area are suitable and welcoming for traditional Indigenous ceremonies.
• Partnered with Lu’ma Native Housing Society to maximize the potential of our site and provide safe, secure, below-market housing for Indigenous peoples.
• Partnered with Indigenous-led HOST Consulting to facilitate public art calls and consultations and to strengthen relationship-building with the host nations. The exterior artwork of our building features work by artists from Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
• Performed extensive consultations with the FIRST UNITED community and added new services and spaces to address their needs.
• Incorporated Indigenous cultural elements into the design of the building in a culturally respectful and appropriate way, informed by direct consultation and input from Luugigyoo Dr. Patrick Stewart, Nisga’a architect, and Xalek/Sekyu Siyam Chief Ian Campbell.
• Ensured that the building’s dedicated Sacred Space and Outdoor Gathering Area are suitable and welcoming for traditional Indigenous ceremonies.
• Partnered with Lu’ma Native Housing Society to maximize the potential of our site and provide safe, secure, below-market housing for Indigenous peoples.
• Partnered with Indigenous-led HOST Consulting to facilitate public art calls and consultations and to strengthen relationship-building with the host nations. The exterior artwork of our building features work by artists from Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
How are the needs and issues of FIRST community members being addressed in the new building?
We participated in extensive consultation with our DTES neighbours prior to the start of this project in order to ensure that our redevelopment was informed by the community for the community. Through interviews and consultations, key themes and priorities emerged. The need for housing was of overwhelming importance and reaffirmed our determination to find a housing partner for the project.
Other needs identified included the need for:
• safe indoor and outdoor gathering, spiritual and drop-in spaces in which to congregate, socialize, sit, or rest during the hours in which shelters are closed
• private areas in which to grieve, seek spiritual counsel, or engage in one-on-one conversations withpeers, counsellors or FIRST staff
• inviting spaces that are not institutional in colour and feel
• stronger indigenous representation
• access to day sleeping and shower facilities
All of these needs were incorporated into the design of the new FIRST UNITED facility. And throughout the design, demolition and construction process we continued to respond to community needs.
In response to Covid, we added pass-out windows at our Community Hub and Dining Hall that will enable us to continue to support community even in times of lockdown. In response to the severe flooding, wildfire and heat dome events experienced in 2021 and 2022, we added an enhanced HVAC system so that the new FIRST can serve as a warming, cooling, and wildfire smoke refuge. And in response to a call by women's organizations in the DTES for more safe spaces for self-identified women in co-ed service facilities, we added women's-only programming to our planned operations.
Many spaces in our building have been designed to be multi-purpose and adaptable, giving us the ability to continue to adapt and respond to the changing needs of the community for decades to come.
Other needs identified included the need for:
• safe indoor and outdoor gathering, spiritual and drop-in spaces in which to congregate, socialize, sit, or rest during the hours in which shelters are closed
• private areas in which to grieve, seek spiritual counsel, or engage in one-on-one conversations withpeers, counsellors or FIRST staff
• inviting spaces that are not institutional in colour and feel
• stronger indigenous representation
• access to day sleeping and shower facilities
All of these needs were incorporated into the design of the new FIRST UNITED facility. And throughout the design, demolition and construction process we continued to respond to community needs.
In response to Covid, we added pass-out windows at our Community Hub and Dining Hall that will enable us to continue to support community even in times of lockdown. In response to the severe flooding, wildfire and heat dome events experienced in 2021 and 2022, we added an enhanced HVAC system so that the new FIRST can serve as a warming, cooling, and wildfire smoke refuge. And in response to a call by women's organizations in the DTES for more safe spaces for self-identified women in co-ed service facilities, we added women's-only programming to our planned operations.
Many spaces in our building have been designed to be multi-purpose and adaptable, giving us the ability to continue to adapt and respond to the changing needs of the community for decades to come.
Programs and Services Questions
Will the new building be open 24/7?
No. Our building will be open weekdays from 8:00am-4:00pm, with extended hours for special events and in times of emergency (e.g. extreme weather events). Programs and services will not be available during the evenings, on weekends or on statutory holidays.
Where is the shelter and why isn’t it in the new building?
Our shelter continues to operate off-site at 467 Alexander Street. In the new building, we made the conscious decision to focus on enabling permanent housing rather than temporary shelter as stability in housing has been clearly linked to greater well-being for individuals.
This does not, however, change the fact that there is a need for temporary shelter in the Downtown Eastside, which is why our shelter continues to operate off-site. In addition, our new facility has a dedicated women’s day sleeping area, which offers a safe place for women to sleep when shelters or other spaces are closed during the day.
This does not, however, change the fact that there is a need for temporary shelter in the Downtown Eastside, which is why our shelter continues to operate off-site. In addition, our new facility has a dedicated women’s day sleeping area, which offers a safe place for women to sleep when shelters or other spaces are closed during the day.
Why aren’t all programs available right away?
To ensure minimal disruption to the community members who use our services, we are focusing on transitioning our existing programs into the building first. We expect all of these to be operational before the end of July 2026. New and returning programs will be launched gradually over the coming months once our foundational programs are up and running smoothly.
Building Questions
How does the new building support the expansion of FIRST’s services and program?
The new building offers close to 40,000 square feet of program space, nearly triple that of our previous facility. Many of the rooms and spaces are designed to be multi-functional, enabling us to adapt to the urgent needs of the community we serve.
Is the building environmentally sustainable?
We are committed to being climate leaders. Beyond the building’s obvious contribution to cultural and social sustainability, the project was designed to high environmental standards. This includes the integration of solar shading technology, a highly insulated building envelope, a green roof, and high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems to meet or exceed City of Vancouver requirements and the 2019 BC Housing Design Guidelines.
What about climate change? Is the building equipped to cope with extreme weather events?
Over the last several years, extreme weather events—heat waves, cold snaps, flooding, and wildfire smoke—have become increasingly common. These events are particularly challenging for those who are under-housed or homeless and without protection from the elements. Recognizing this, we amended the building’s design in 2022 to include a state-of-the-art HVAC system with air conditioning and heating for the whole building. During extreme weather events, our first floor can act as a warming, cooling and filtered air refuge for up to 200 people. Our HVAC system also provides air filtration on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors of our building to provide refuge from wildfire smoke for up to 470 people.
What is the longevity of the building?
The expected life of the building is a minimum of 60 years.
Has anything from the old building’s heritage be maintained?
A piece of exterior brick cladding from the old building was embedded in one of the cement potters on the rooftop to symbolically mark the moment the building topped out. We hope that the spirit of the work done in our old building, the spark of dignity, belonging, and justice that lived there for so long, will live on in the new building for many years.
Why was the iconic roof of the old FIRST UNITED building not preserved or recreated?
Unfortunately, the roof wasn’t consistent with today’s construction codes or guidelines. A flat roof is needed for elevators and mechanical/electrical systems. Constructing an angular roof would also take away an important outdoor rooftop amenity space for residential tenants. There are nods to the angular roof line in the new design, and our new building is iconic and innovative in its own right. The iconic roof from the old building lives on as part of our logo.
Donation and Dedication Questions
Can I still make a donation?
Yes! We currently have a stretch goal of $40 million and we're almost there. The additional funds raised will support the correction of deficiencies as well as costs associated with our start-up and operations as we get up and running in the new space. Any funds not used for these purposes would then get rolled into a capital fund for long-term capital maintenance costs.
Why can’t I name a space if I make a donation to the building?
To honour our commitment to reconciliation, we’re naming some spaces in our building after the Indigenous and spiritual roots of the land, and the Indigenous leaders who were part of the founding of Vancouver. We’re excited to be one of the first organizations to implement this proactive approach that puts reconciliation front and centre in the fundraising space.
How do dedications work?
Donors can make donations of $10,000 or more to dedicate a specific area or space in the new building. Dedications can be made to the donor, a family member, business, or as a memorial or tribute to another person.
We’re pleased to offer collective and sole dedication opportunities, with the latter available for gifts of $250,000 or more. Each dedication will be reflected on a plaque beside the Indigenous name of the area or space for 10 years.
We’re pleased to offer collective and sole dedication opportunities, with the latter available for gifts of $250,000 or more. Each dedication will be reflected on a plaque beside the Indigenous name of the area or space for 10 years.
What happens to a dedication plaque after the 10-year timeline?
When we approach this milestone, we’ll get in touch with you and your family to give you the first right of renewal on your dedicated space.
Together we can make a lasting impact.
Our building is done but our work isn’t. Now, we need your help to fill the building with life, possibility, and the programs that the community needs and deserves. Your gift will help uphold dignity, belonging and justice to our neighbours in the DTES.
Donate today