DTES Emergency Supply Hub Newsletter
Issue #1 | Winter 2025
A Note From the Hub
As we head into the final stretch of winter, we’re reminded daily that community care is not a one‑time action — it’s a practice.
From early mornings loading trucks, to afternoons building food hampers, to evenings spent communicating with community, writing thank-you notes, and sharing warm meals and conversation, the Hub continues to be a place where consistency matters. The doors stay open, the kettle stays on, and our neighbours know there is somewhere they can land.
This first newsletter is an invitation to slow down for a moment and share what’s been happening inside the DTES Emergency Supply Hub — the people, the partnerships, and the quiet impact that doesn’t always make it to social media.
Thank you for being part of this work.
— The DTES Hub Team
By the Numbers
- 36,592 kg of food redistributed last month thanks to our community partners
- 1,000+ individuals supported year-round through hamper-related programs
- 1,000 Christmas grocery hampers distributed between December 18–24
- 350 unique families receiving ongoing support
- Hundreds of meals distributed weekly through community meal programs
- 2,000 meals cooked street-side by volunteers this month
- A dedicated group of on-the-ground volunteers contributing time, skills, and heart
Every number represents a real person, a real moment, and a real need met. If you’re looking to get involved, volunteer sign-up details can be found below.
Program Spotlight: Let’s Talk Recovery
This month we launched Let’s Talk Recovery, a new interactive program hosted on TikTok.
The series features a volunteer in recovery sharing their lived experience within the Hub and the Overdose Prevention Society Network. Viewers are invited into an honest, respectful conversation where questions are welcomed and answered within the host’s comfort level.
Whether you’re sober‑curious, seeking information, or simply listening, Let’s Talk Recovery creates space for nuance, dignity, and connection — without judgement.
Live sessions take place weekly, and recordings remain available for those who can’t attend in real time.
Community in Action
Care at the Hub doesn’t stop at our front door — it moves outward through the people who pass through it.
Throughout the holiday season, we were reminded of something deeply simple and true: when you open your door to others and break bread together, people honour the space that’s been created.
Time and time again, we welcomed neighbours into the Hub for on-the-fly markets, pop-up distributions, and a wide range of product call-outs shaped by immediate community needs. Each moment reinforced the same lesson — trust grows when people are met with warmth, dignity, and consistency.
One long-time volunteer regularly picked up food for several families they support directly in their own community. As usual, their car left the Hub filled to capacity. It’s not a grand gesture or a one-off moment, but a steady, repeated act of care — neighbours supporting neighbours, week after week.
We’re excited to continue creating these shared moments in the months ahead. Keep an eye on our social channels for upcoming invites, market days, and community giveaways.
In the News
Recently, the DTES Emergency Supply Hub was featured in multiple news publications highlighting both urgent public health realities and community-led responses in the Downtown Eastside.
One piece, “Overdose calls pouring in as vet tranquilizer goes through B.C. drug supply,” examined the emergence of medetomidine in the unregulated drug supply and its growing impact on the neighbourhood. The coverage highlighted the increasing complexity of overdose response and the essential work of the Overdose Prevention Society and frontline peer responders.
Watch the CBC segment here: https://www.cbc.ca/player/
We were also interviewed by John Ackermann from CityNews for the story “Downtown Eastside non-profit fills a need, distributing food hampers just in time for Christmas.” The piece focused on how the Hub opened its doors throughout the holiday season, gathered additional resources, and expanded access to food support. After filling 100 additional hamper spots, we made the decision to open distribution to anyone who needed support.
This coverage reflects the Hub’s commitment to flexibility, care, and meeting people where they are — especially during moments when need is highest.
Read the CityNews article here: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/
Gratitude & Acknowledgements
This work is only possible because of the many people and organizations who show up — quietly, consistently, and generously.
We extend deep thanks to:
- Our ongoing volunteers, who give their time in all weather
- Community donors and sponsors who help keep shelves stocked
- Partner organizations across the DTES and beyond
- Funders and collaborators who trust us to respond flexibly to community needs
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing a five-part series on social media acknowledging funders and contributors. We’re doing this with care — respecting those who wish to be recognized publicly and those who prefer to support quietly.
Transparency and accountability are core values at the Hub. Being entrusted with resources that serve our community means honouring that trust in every aspect of our work.
Your support allows us to meet people where they are, with dignity and care.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, we’ll continue to:
- Expand food and household supply distribution
- Grow programming centered on recovery, harm reduction, and peer support
- Strengthen partnerships that reduce waste and increase access
- Adapt quickly as community needs shift
For those who signed up for the first round of fabric donations, distribution will be starting this week. If you’re waiting on an order, please reach out to check in on its status. Orders will be filled based on available procured product and our ability to fulfill requests, and will be processed in sequence.
You can get in touch with us using any of the contact options listed below in Stay Connected.
Community Giveaway
To celebrate the launch of our newsletter and to share a little extra care back into the community, we’re hosting a draw for a Hub Prize Basket.
One winner will take home a basket curated by the Hub, filled with a mix of clothing, dry goods, and other thoughtful items that come through our doors — the kind of practical, useful, and nice-to-have essentials we love sharing.
If you’d like to be entered into the draw, you can sign up using the link below: https://forms.gle/
We’re grateful for the chance to give back in this way and look forward to sharing more moments like this with our community.
Stay Connected
- Volunteer: https://forms.gle/
VKkZrs28YXi4RKEGA - Learn more about the Hub: dteshub.ca
- Donate or Partner: Reach out through our website or email Manager@DTESHub.ca
- Social Worker / Residential Worker Client Portal: https://forms.gle/
yvCFmSb6s11jaXPWA
Follow Along:
- DTES Emergency Supply Hub on Facebook
- DTES Hub on Instagram
- @DTESHub138 on X
- Let’s Talk Recovery on TikTok
Thank you for walking alongside us.
Community care is built together. Collaboration over competition.
—
