The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre Association has served Vancouver for over 45 years.
Now, it's one of the city's newest multi-year grantees and will receive significant financial support to help provide a safe space for women in need.
The local low-barrier space exclusively for women was recently granted $654,192 through until 2027 to support its drop-in centre programming at its five locations.
This includes meals, clothing, bathrooms, victim services, sexual assault response, first aid, and phone and computer access.
The funding was allocated through Vancouver's latest round of community service and social development grants, at more than $11 million in total, that aim to support groups "creating positive change."
The money will also help those that utilize DEWC access intensive support services like emergency shelters, housing outreach, skills development and cultural programming.
"DEWC’s open-door policy creates an invitation to come in, rest and take a break from the ongoing challenges women face daily," the organization's website stated.
"While the Downtown Eastside can be a place with a strong sense of community for many who live and work here, it is also, unfortunately, a place where especially women and fem-presenting individuals experience extreme violence, including sexual assaults, at alarming rates."
According to a DEWC survey of 50 homeless women, 100 per cent of respondents reported feeling unsafe and had experienced some form of violence and/or sexual assault.
In the past year, DEWC said it's supported more than 1,000 women and kids at its drop-in centres.
"Even when housed, a woman may not have access to a communal space she feels safe in," the nonprofit said.
"For women housed in SROs [single room occupancy housing] with limited space or safe amenities, DEWC is their living room."
DEWC has the following locations:
For more information, or if you wish to contribute to programming, you can visit DEWC's website.
Other notable grant recipients
DEWC was one of 33 multi-year funding grants for community organizations approved at $4 million.
This includes $210,000 over three years for 411 Seniors Care Society for active aging and social connection initiatives for Vancouver seniors living "on a very low income," the city said in a release.
"This grant will help us continue to support local seniors," added Michael Volker, society executive director, in the same statement.
"By empowering seniors to be active, engaged and live with dignity, we enhance the overall well-being of our community. The positive impact of our seniors centre extends throughout the entire community."
Vancouver, meanwhile, granted more than $7 million for 2025 initiatives.
QMUNITY, BC's Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Resource Centre Society is receiving $125,000 for its CORE program, which provides support, connection and leadership in improving the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
