Downtown Eastside Women's Centre

The mission of the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC) is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, low-barrier environment for women from all walks of life, who live and/or work in the Downtown Eastside. To achieve this goal, DEWC provides supportive surrounds with meals, counseling, advocacy and outreach programs which nurture and empower women. Founded in 1978, DEWC is one of the few safe spaces within the Downtown Eastside exclusively for all self-identifying women and their children. High levels of violence, homelessness, addictions, and poverty disproportionately affect the Downtown Eastside community. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, injustice, and injury. We provide practical support to over 500 women and children daily in one of Canada's poorest communities. DEWC assists women with their immediate needs to they can develop stability and access resources they need to improve health, family, employment, and housing situations. We promote positive change by offering individual long-term support, education, advocacy, peer mentorship, and access to alternatives.