In the face of crisis — COVID-19 and its aftermath, housing, toxic drug supply,
mental health, and so much more — the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
endures as a beacon of hope and resilience.
As an organization committed to gender justice in resilient communities, The Houssian Foundation is proud to be an ongoing partner of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. For 45 years, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre has fostered a sense of belonging for women across diverse backgrounds and cultures. Their care provides nourishment, safety, and friendship, for cis, trans, and Two-Spirit women living and working in the community.
The work done at DEWC is monumental and the demand for support is staggering. Despite staffing and resourcing challenges, throughout 2023 DEWC served nearly 1,200 women daily, offering shelter, food, counselling, healthcare, and support services. The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre – under the leadership of Executive Director Alice Kendall – is a formidable force in the community.
“We wish there was no need for our services but the reality is that our safe spaces for women are needed now more than ever.”
Alice Kendall, Executive Director.
With support from The Houssian Foundation and others, the food program at DEWC underwent a notable transformation in 2023, expanding across all five service sites with regular meal availability. And, the member reviews are coming in at five stars. “Our kitchen initiative has had a profound impact, as evidenced by one of our members who shared, ‘I like to come in here. I can have a meal; the food is amazing, and to see my friends to have a cup of coffee. I really like the cook; she is amazing and gives us good food,’” she adds.
Amid challenges, the stories of impact from the community are invigorating. Lena, a First Nations woman who had been historically marginalized due to her drug use and sex work, found a sanctuary at DEWC. And, Samantha, an Indigenous woman who had been unhoused for over half her life, found a new sense of belonging and security after securing housing through the centre’s efforts. She’s secured work, is making strides in her goals for stability and self sufficiency, and for the first time in a long while, she feels at home.
“When looking back on 2023, we are most proud that as an organization we worked hard to keep our doors open and provide the women of this community safe with advocacy, connection, and safety amid many barriers,” concludes Kendall.“ We are so very proud of the incredible team we have and the strength of the women we work with.”