First United

We can't normalize the shocking # of people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver or the extreme increase every year. Under City leadership, we're blocking the housing we need. Build housing, raise incomes, fund support or admit this is a policy choice. ctvnews.ca/vancouver/arti…

This confirms what we've been saying for years: people can't afford rent and evictions lead to homelessness. #vanpoli

We "found deposits were enough to cover the landlord’s costs in 82 per cent of the cases". Tomorrow is National Pet Day. Stand with us and @BC_SPCA for pet friendly housing in BC!

B.C. organizations call on province to end pet bans in rental housing ctvnews.ca/vancouver/arti…

Advocates call on B.C. to scrap no-pet clauses in rental units dailyhive.com/vancouver/bc-n…

"First United Church says they have seen that the current status quo of blanket pet bans definitely contributes to displacement and homelessness throughout BC." Thanks to our friends at @BC_SPCA for partnering on this important issue!

“People should not have to choose between surrendering their pet and having a home,” said Sarah Marsden, director of systems change and legal for FIRST UNITED." #bcpoli @BC_SPCA

Download and share the @BC_SPCA's pet-friendly housing toolkit: spca.bc.ca/wp-content/upl…. This resource helps housing providers create their own pet-friendly programs. Share with your landlord, property manager or strata!

Contact your MLA at leg.bc.ca/members. Ask them to fulfill the government's promise to create more pet-friendly housing across the province. #bcpoli #nationalpetday

Read a summary of our policy recommendations that we submitted to the govt firstunited.ca/resources/pet-…, with evidence that the majority of pet damage is covered by pet deposits. We found that compensable damage was less than tenant deposits in more than 82% of cases. #bcpoli

In honour of National Pet Day on April 11, we're partnering with the @BC_SPCA to advance pet-friendly housing in the province.

Tuesday, April 14th is the 10 year anniversary of the overdose health emergency. This Sunday, @BurrowsAmanda and @momsstoptheharm will be at the Christ Church Cathedral for a service of remembrance and prayer for the opioid crisis.

"At Easter, we’re reminded of powerful acts of love and generosity. At FIRST UNITED, I see those moments often in the Downtown Eastside. They don’t always make headlines, but they speak deeply to the humanity and generosity that live in this community." firstunited.ca/news/what-i-le…

This Easter, will you help us increase our capacity to serve more people once we’re in our new building? A $25 gift will go a long way, helping us expand our programs and create new ones that meet the needs of the community. Give at firstunited.ca/donate-now/one….

In the very near future, we’ll be moving into our new building where the DTES community can experience dignity, belonging and justice.

Happy Easter, from FIRST UNITED! Easter is a time to remember that great things are possible. Despite the broken systems we live in, and the struggles and hardships we see in the Downtown Eastside, we still have hope that change is possible.

Jill Atkey, CEO of BC Non-profit Housing Association: "The approach of, ‘Let’s just ban it,’ is not the right approach because we’ve got people suffering as a result, and it doesn’t encourage others to come to the table for a meaningful conversation"

We’re so close to moving into our new building—it’s set to happen this spring! With the additional space, we’re increasing our capacity to serve more people in the DTES, expand and create new programs. Will you chip in today to help us do this? Give now: firstunited.ca/donate-now/one…