Serving women in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside since 1978.

Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is a membership-driven organization where all women accessing services are given a vote and a voice to steer services and programs. The DEWC believe women are the experts in their own lives. Every woman is entitled to the basic necessities of life, including safety, autonomy, nutrition, stable housing, clothing, education, and other practical needs.

DEWC has an anti-racism and anti-poverty mandate, understanding that poverty is systemic, not the problem of an individual. DEWC is a feminist organization with feminism as the guiding philosophy, respecting and welcoming cultural diversity; each woman’s strengths and experiences are valued and respected. The DEWC believes every woman is entitled to self-determination, self-respect, self-esteem and safety.

The DEWC defines “woman” as anyone who identifies and lives as a woman including cis and transgender women.

Sites & Services

Drop-in Centres

• 302 Columbia St
• 25 East Hastings St

Overnight Shelters

• 412 East Cordova St
• 398 Powell St
• 265 East Hastings St

Programs

With programs and services covering Basic Needs, Personal Specialized Services, Cultural Programming, and Community and Connection, the mission of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for self-identifying women (cis, trans, 2S), from all walks of life, who live and/or work in the Downtown Eastside.

Basic Needs : Meal Program

Throughout 3 professional kitchens, staff and volunteers make close to 1000 meals every day for women and their kids. Breakfast, lunch and dinners are served at the sites, as well as afternoon snacks.

Basic Needs : Safe Washrooms

4 out of 5 of the sites offer showers and all 5 offer washrooms as well as toiletries and clean towels.

Personal Specialized Services

• Housing Support
• Advocacy
• Victim services & sexual assault response

Cultural Programming

• Celebrations & activities
• Indigenous Women’s Project
• Chinese Seniors Outreach

Community and Connection

• Skills development
• Community peer

As with all our Charities of the Month, proceeds from the sale of tasters at the Growler Bar, as well as the donations we collect, will be given to this awesome and important group of folks.

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