Downtown Eastside Women's Centre

Downtown Eastside Women's Centre Our mission: to provide basic needs and positive change for women and children in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) is one of the busiest women’s centres in the country, operating a low-barrier drop-in centre and emergency night shelters in the Downtown Eastside. By connecting members to a continuum of care and a community, we empower them towards positive change. DEWC provides basic needs including nutritious meals, laundry, showers, phone and computer access, and cl

othing, as well as support services including advocacy, housing outreach, HIV case management, Chinese seniors outreach, victim services, and skills development. Our kitchen program serves up to 700 meals daily, totaling up to 255,500 meals annually. Demand for our services is growing exponentially, and we rely heavily on community support to sustain our ongoing work. For more information, visit our website: www.dewc.ca.

At The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, what people see from the outside is often only a small part of the work happeni...
06/15/2026

At The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, what people see from the outside is often only a small part of the work happening every day.

So far in 2026, we have provided:

• 175,172 meals
• 1,651 showers
• 1,876 referrals for housing, advocacy, victim and legal services

None of this is possible without your support.

Monthly giving helps sustain consistent, reliable access to care for over 1,200 women every day.

Give back to our community: https://dewc.ca/donate-online/

06/11/2026

to the sweetest Mother’s Day at the Centre! 💜💐

So grateful for the beautiful blooms, treats, and love from our amazing community. Thank you again to Mini Wedding Flowers, Hype Chocolate, River and Sea Flowers, and Mindful Monk. ✨

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the strength, knowledge, cultures, and leadership of Indigen...
06/02/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the strength, knowledge, cultures, and leadership of Indigenous Peoples, and to recognize the ongoing work of Indigenous communities in preserving traditions, advocating for justice, and creating change.

At The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, our Indigenous Women's Project creates opportunities for Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse community members to connect through cultural teachings, recreation, education, and community. The program also provides vital emotional support for those navigating the ongoing impacts of colonialism, residential school trauma, racism, cultural isolation, and violence.

This year, thanks to the generous support of FortisBC, 20 women will attend the 2026 Elders Gathering, strengthening cultural connection, knowledge sharing, and Indigenous leadership.

We are grateful to work alongside partners who invest in Indigenous-led spaces and support the self-determination of Indigenous women.

Learn more about the Indigenous Women's Project: https://dewc.ca/program/indigenous-womens-project/

There's only ONE MONTH left until the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K and still needs your support to reach our $2...
05/28/2026

There's only ONE MONTH left until the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K and still needs your support to reach our $20,000 fundraising goal for women in the Downtown Eastside. 💜

Donate today: dewc.ca/get-involved/run-for-dewc/

During Asian Heritage Month, we honour the histories, resilience, and contributions of Chinese communities across genera...
05/18/2026

During Asian Heritage Month, we honour the histories, resilience, and contributions of Chinese communities across generations.

Amanda, a valued member of our Chinese Seniors Outreach Program, shares a thoughtful reflection, highlighting the courage, service, and legacy of Chinese people throughout history, including their contributions during times of global conflict and the ongoing importance of remembrance.

Her piece offers a meaningful perspective on heritage, collective memory, and the importance of honouring those who came before us.

Read Amanda’s reflection here: https://dewc.ca/stories/reflecting-on-asian-heritage-month/

05/12/2026

While Mother’s Day can look and feel different for everyone, we wanted to create a warm and welcoming space where women could come together in community and enjoy a little extra care and celebration.

We are deeply grateful to Hype Chocolate, Mindful Monk Chocolate, River and Sea Flowers, and Mini Wedding Flowers for helping us bring warmth and brightness into our Drop-In Centre at 302 Columbia St.

Events like these are only possible because of the incredible generosity and care we continue to receive from our community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports our work and helps us create welcoming spaces for the more than 1,200 women who access our services each day.

We’re Hiring: Director, Direct Services!The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is looking for a strategic, collaborative l...
05/07/2026

We’re Hiring: Director, Direct Services!

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is looking for a strategic, collaborative leader to oversee our shelter, drop-in, and food security programs. This role supports women and children living in extreme poverty in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside through low-barrier, trauma-informed services grounded in feminist and anti-oppression frameworks.

You’ll:
- Lead the strategic direction of DEWC’s shelter, drop-in, and kitchen programs
- Supervise and support program managers and frontline leadership
- Oversee program budgets, policies, and operational planning
- Build strong relationships with funders, donors, and community partners
- Collaborate with DEWC leadership to advance organizational priorities and advocacy efforts

You have:
- 3+ years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably in a unionized environment
- Strong knowledge of issues impacting women in the DTES, including gender-based violence, MMIWG, homelessness, mental health, and substance use
- Experience in program management, policy development, and organizational leadership
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills
- A commitment to feminist and anti-oppression approaches

Why DEWC?
- Salary: $97,000–$113,000
- Flexible 9-day fortnight schedule
- Extended health and dental benefits
- Municipal Pension Plan
- Paid vacation, sick days, and professional development opportunities

Indigenous women and women of colour are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply today: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=708ca31b-6934-4b5f-b1fb-de7f3c56fa36&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=583179&source=CC2&lang=en_CA

What a beautiful way to kick off Asian Heritage Month 💜Today at our 302 Columbia Street Drop-In, the space was full of m...
05/01/2026

What a beautiful way to kick off Asian Heritage Month 💜

Today at our 302 Columbia Street Drop-In, the space was full of music, laughter, and connection as women came together to celebrate. From dancing and singing to sharing a delicious meal of lamb chops and rice kheer, there was so much joy in the room, and even some of our staff joined in.

These moments matter. With your support, our Drop-In remains a place where women can gather, celebrate culture, and simply enjoy being together in a space that feels safe and welcoming.

With the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K just two months away, spots are filling quickly. Run, walk, or wheel with u...
04/27/2026

With the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K just two months away, spots are filling quickly. Run, walk, or wheel with us to help raise $20,000 in support of our meal programs, providing daily nourishment for over 1,200 women. 🙋‍♀️💜

Can’t join on race day? Donations still make a direct impact. Together, let’s .

https://dewc.ca/get-involved/run-for-dewc/ Canada Running Series West

As spring arrives, The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is filled with warmth, connection, and the shared joy of gatheri...
04/20/2026

As spring arrives, The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is filled with warmth, connection, and the shared joy of gathering in community.

Over 600 women joined us for our Spring Dinner, a nourishing home-cooked meal thoughtfully prepared and served with care.

These moments of celebration are deeply meaningful. They offer space for women to come together, share stories, and experience comfort and connection.

More than 1,200 women access DEWC programs each day, and it is through the ongoing generosity of our donors and supporters that gatherings like this can take place. Your support helps create the conditions for community, care, and belonging.

We are equally grateful to the women who are at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for allowing us to share in this celebration of a new season alongside you.

Address

302 Columbia Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A4K1

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16047236782

Website

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