Spring at First United Church

Bunks in the Sanctuary

The freezing and rain drenched nights are finally ending with recent warmer temperatures. BC Housing is starting to shut down the winter shelters in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver BC.  First United Church receives funding from BC Housing to function the way they do, but this amount was reduced at the first of the year and restrictions imposed on the numbers allowed in the building.

First United does not see themselves as a winter shelter as its mission is to provide services year round. With the new restrictions the church now sleeps about 150 rather than 240, but still serves 800 to 1000 meals daily. In the last 3 month period 800 people spent 5 nights or less sleeping at the church.

However, the core of the community are the 60 people who see First United as their home right now. It is with this group we primarily attempt to establish a sense of restorative community with the church becoming a temporary home rather than just a place to sleep and get meals. There is a staff of advocates who are regularly seeking places for community members to live. Many of those who have found supported living, still spend considerable time at the church as we seek to provide a sense of belonging. There are avid hockey fans here and about 40 of us recently watched the first Canuck playoff game.

The picture shows some of the beds available for men in the space that used to be the sanctuary when First United was a traditional church. Spiritual programs now are held in the gymnasium where food is served or a smaller chapel that is in the process of being painted and revitalized. Last Wed night at our special dinner and gathering, I brought a message on  Addiction as Spiritual Poverty.

Thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers and support as I seek to help the process of building  community in the DTES of Vancouver BC. I also serve with two other groups: The New Way Community and the Dugout.