The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC) is one of Canada's busiest women's centres, operating two drop-in centres and three emergency shelters in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Every day, more than 1,200 women access our programs and services, finding safety, community, and support in one of Canada's most underserved neighbourhoods.

DEWC provides a women-centred space where members can access essential services with dignity, including nutritious meals, showers, laundry facilities, clothing, computer and phone access, and secure washrooms. These basic necessities help build trust, reduce isolation, and connect women to the support they need.

Our specialized services include advocacy, housing outreach, victim services, Chinese seniors outreach, and cultural programming. Through these programs, women receive one-on-one support to navigate complex systems, secure housing, access income and healthcare supports, connect with community, and exercise their rights and self-determination.

Our meal program serves approximately 1,000 nutritious meals every day. A gift of just $10 helps provide a woman with access to a hot meal, a safe shower, clean clothing, and a welcoming space where she can connect with support. For many women, these services are the first step toward accessing housing, healthcare, income assistance, victim services, or other critical resources.

We offer:

• Two drop-in centres and three emergency shelters that provide safe, women-centred spaces 365 days a year.

• Front-line support for women experiencing homelessness, gender-based violence, poverty, social isolation, and other systemic barriers.

• Nutritious meals, clean clothing, showers, and other basic necessities that foster dignity, safety, and connection.

• Specialized services including advocacy, housing outreach, victim services, Chinese seniors outreach, and cultural programming.

• Community-based programs that reduce isolation, strengthen belonging, and support women in achieving their goals.

Every day, women come to DEWC seeking safety, connection, and support. With the partnership of donors, volunteers, and community members, we continue to provide life-changing services that help women meet their immediate needs while building pathways toward greater stability and well-being.