FIRST UNITED is a registered charity that has been serving low-income, underhoused and homeless individuals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for 140 years. On the frontlines every day, FIRST UNITED’s low-barrier essential services include shelter to 51 residents, legal advocacy, tax filing, spiritual care, mail and phone services, overdose response, provision of essential items like clothing and toiletries, and over 1,000 free meals each week to DTES community members. FIRST UNITED also engages in systems change work to reduce homelessness, break the cycle of poverty, and address the racialization of poverty. FIRST UNITED's vision is a neighborhood where every person’s worth is celebrated and all people can thrive.

FIRST UNITED's services are located in different satellite locations around the Downtown Eastside during the redevelopment of our building at 320 E Hastings. Below are the satellite locations and services offered:

FIRST UNITED Community Help Desk and Tax Clinic at 501 E Hastings St.

The Community Help Desk is a hub for community members to access free harm reduction supplies, essentials like clothing. Community members can also access tax support, and our mail and phone program.

FIRST UNITED Meals at Gore and Hastings St

Every weekday at lunchtime, FIRST UNITED's food truck parks at the corner of Gore and Hastings street to serve free meals to Downtown Eastside community members.

FIRST UNITED Legal Advocacy at 542 E Hastings St

FIRST UNITED Spiritual Care at 360 Jackson Ave

FIRST UNITED Shelter at 467 Alexander St