About Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House

Rooted in Community | Focused on Dignity | Driven by Equity

The Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (DTESNH) is a grassroots, secular organization located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. We provide free, inclusive programs that respond to the strengths and needs of our neighbourhood — one of the most diverse, resilient, and under-resourced communities in the city.

Our mandate is to offer meaningful opportunities for connection, nourishment, and learning in an environment grounded in dignity and mutual respect. Each of our programs is designed to be open and accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

What We Do (April 2024–March 2025 Highlights):

🌱 Community Food Programs

We served over 20,000 meals this year — an average of 1,700 meals per month — through our Community Drop-In, Pantry, and surplus food sharing. With the help of our Tuesday Night Prep Group and key partners like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and UNFI, we ensured consistent, high-quality nourishment for our neighbours.

🍌 Nutritional Outreach

Through our Banana Beat, Mobile Smoothie Project, and CRAB Park outreach, we distributed over 6,500 bananas, 3,000+ smoothies, and 2,500 meals, while also responding to four emergency heat events with hydration and food support.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Early Years Programs

More than 50 families participated in regular programming, receiving over 3,000 meals, weekly cultural support, and 40+ holiday hampers. These fast-growing programs help newcomer and low-income families feel connected, supported, and nourished.

🎒 Youth Programs (School’s Out)

Our after-school programs engaged 30 children and offered over 1,500 meals and snacks, weekly tutoring, Kids’ Kitchen sessions, grocery hampers, and two seasonal field trips — nurturing joy, curiosity, and food skills.

🧘 Wellness & Peer Support

Thanks to lululemon’s Here to Be grant, we sustained weekly yoga and mindfulness classes, integrated wellness into our daily operations, and provided paid work experience to Peer participants across the House.

Why It Matters

We believe that wellness is not a privilege — it is a right. That food is a vehicle for justice. That community care is essential. And that everyone deserves a safe, welcoming space to connect, heal, and grow.

Our work would not be possible without the commitment of our volunteers, the heart of our house, and our partners and funders — from grassroots organizations to national foundations. Together, we are building a future for the DTES rooted in dignity, opportunity, and belonging for all.