Pitching in at the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre
When Abby Bull heard that Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC) needed a hand getting COVID-19 supplies to protect front-line workers, she stepped up to help. Abby, a long-time good neighbour and supporter of the Centre, works at BC Housing’s Business Support Services.
When asked why she chose to help the DTES Women’s Centre, Abby said, “It’s an especially tough time for everyone due to COVID-19. Now more than ever we need to find ways to safely help each other and protect front-line workers and our more vulnerable community members”.
DEWC continues to support the community’s women, children and youth during the COVID-19 crisis. The 24-hour emergency shelter now operates 50 beds instead of the usual 57 to ensure shelter guests’ health and safety. Additionally, DEWC is providing women and children with takeaway meal service each day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at their drop-in centre. DEWC serves up to 400 meals each day, including a coffee and tea take-away service for women in the area. Later, once the COVID-19 challenges are behind us, DEWC will return to its advocacy and outreach services, which are currently on hold due to the pandemic.
Now more than ever we need to find ways to help each other
DEWC assists women so they can develop stability and access the resources they need to improve health, family, employment and housing situations. They also provide essential services such as a daily meal program, access to toilets, showers and a clothing room. Along with many other government and community partners, BC Housing helps fund DEWC, which typically supports more than 500 women and their children daily from all walks of life. Supports include: Meals, counseling, advocacy and programs to nurture and empower members.
Learn more about the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre: http://dewc.ca/