January 2026 – DTES Hub Newsletter

Jan 31, 2026 | 2026, Newsletters

DTES Emergency Supply Hub Newsletter

Issue #2 | Winter January 2026

 

A Note From the Hub

As we move into the second half of winter, we want to pause and acknowledge the quieter moments that make the larger distribution days possible — the logistical conversations over coffee, the planning between shifts, and the steady problem-solving that happens behind the scenes.

The care, time, and thought volunteers bring to this work are essential. It’s what allows the Hub to operate in a way that stays community-centred, flexible, and responsive. When neighbours help neighbours, that’s where the real magic happens — not in any single event, but in the trust built over time.

This issue offers a snapshot of what the past month has looked like at the DTES Emergency Supply Hub — the work underway, the people involved, and what’s coming next as winter continues.

Thank you for being part of this work.

— The DTES Hub Team

 

 

By the Numbers

  • 90860 pounds of food redistributed thanks to community partners

  • 1000 individuals supported through food and supply programs

  • 350 families receiving ongoing support

  • 4200 meals distributed through community meal programs

  • 1200 meals cooked street-side by volunteers

  • A dedicated group of 17 volunteers contributing time, skills, and care

Every number represents a real person, a real moment, and a real need met.

 

Community in Action

The DTES Emergency Supply Hub has the privilege of working alongside partners in other cities to help procure and distribute food where it’s needed most.

While our primary responsibility is always to our local community and neighbours, we also believe that food should remain as local as possible. When opportunities arise to access donations in other cities, we make a point of supporting those communities directly — while also bringing resources back to the Downtown Eastside.

Over the past month, and with the support of some truly dedicated volunteers, we were able to assist:

Seeing communities mobilize around food security — sharing resources, labour, and care — is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when networks work together rather than in isolation.

If you know of food programs or community resources outside the DTES that could benefit from connection or collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always looking for ways to strengthen intercity relationships and ensure food reaches the communities that need it most.

 

Program Spotlight: Into Action Recovery – Street Outreach

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Into Action Recovery, an organization dedicated to providing compassionate, effective support for men navigating addiction. Through a range of residential treatment and transitional housing programs, their experienced recovery counsellors offer direction, practical tools, and real hope for long-term recovery and a healthier future.

Our Recovery Navigation team works closely with Into Action Recovery to support men in accessing treatment beds and supportive housing. Once a month, the Into Action team joins us on Hastings Street, distributing food procured through the Hub directly to the community. This hands-on outreach is a powerful example of how collaboration strengthens impact — on the street and beyond.

We’re grateful for the work Into Action Recovery does every day, both within their programs and alongside the community.

>🔗 Learn more and follow their work:
Into Action Recovery: https://www.intoaction.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intoactionbc/

 

 Recovery Navigation

The DTES Emergency Supply Hub works alongside Vancouver Coastal Health, Into Action Recovery, Together We Can, and our dedicated recovery navigation team to introduce, invite, and support people through every stage of the recovery process — from detox and sobriety to long-term recovery and sustainability.

Recovery looks different for everyone. If you or someone you know is seeking guidance, we encourage you to reach out. Our space is non-judgmental, non-committal, and grounded in respect, allowing people to ask questions, explore options, and make informed decisions about their own recovery journey — at their own pace.

Zero Waste Goals

>At the Hub, our work goes beyond delivering essential supplies — we’re also deeply committed to reducing waste wherever possible. All cardboard is sorted and taken to Emterra Environmental, where it’s recycled at scale. Food recovery is another key focus: in partnership with our friends at the V6A Community Garden, we ensure that unused food is diverted from landfill and given a final purpose.

>From an average of 30,000 kg of food donations each month, only about 8% becomes waste. That remaining portion is composted and returned to the soil at the garden, closing the loop and supporting local food growth. What would otherwise be discarded instead becomes nourishment for the community.

We’re still working to improve how we handle non-organic waste. While we sort and recycle as much as possible, we know there’s more to learn and do. If you have waste-reduction or mitigation ideas, we’d love to hear them. Together, we can build a greener future — for our community today and for the generations to come.

This work remains possible because of the many people and organizations who show up — quietly, consistently, and generously.

We extend our thanks to:

  • Volunteers
  • Community donors and sponsors
  • Partner organizations
  • Funders and collaborators

Special show out to Work BC for connecting us with some amazing volunteers. Your work is critical for our neighbours.

Amazing shout out to Pastor Mathew Koshy and Pastor Shiju Mathew from Kerala Christian Fellowship in Surrey for a new donation partnership. Your connections and donations make an honest impact into the lives of many of our partner organizations and clients. Check them out below https://kcfv.org/

Your trust and support allow us to continue responding with care, flexibility, and accountability.

 

Collaboration Outside Vancouver

The DTES Emergency Supply Hub is excited to collaborate outside of Vancouver on amazing projects and spotlights. For our friend and neighbours who live outside of Vancouver, check out this amazing Grocery program

Thanks to Pastor Mathew Koshy and Pastor Shiju Mathew from Kerala Christian Fellowship in Surrey, This program happens every Saturday at 2 pm

 

Community Giveaway

Following the great response last month, we’re continuing our monthly Hub Prize Draw.

The draw will take place on the 20th of each month, and anyone interested can enter by filling out the form below: https://forms.gle/WfAwPfMmRepiDEU19

Please note: entries do not roll over month to month. If you’d like to be considered, you’ll need to re‑sign up each month to be entered into the draw.

In January, Monica Grant was our winner. Her prize basket included a new bedding set, pantry staples, original artwork, and a $50 grocery gift card — a mix of practical essentials and small comforts made possible by what moves through the Hub.

It’s our way of sharing a little extra care back into the community. If you’d like to be part of future draws, or know someone who would, please feel free to share the sign‑up link.

 

 

Looking Ahead

In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue to:

  • Respond to emerging community needs
  • Expand distribution and access where possible
  • Strengthen partnerships and collaborations
  • Share updates transparently as programs evolve

On February 14, the Hub will be partnering with Carnegie Community Centre and Kilala Lelum to support the Women’s March by preparing and distributing lunch bags. If you’re interested in supporting this effort, keep an eye on our channels or reach out directly.

On February 15th, we will be collaborating with The Ovaltine Cafe to present a new monthly free Meal service. Check out the poster below for details

We’re also receiving another large fabric donation — including cotton and fleece — arriving at our warehouse soon. Community organizations, local sewing groups, and independent makers are all welcome to request fabric for their projects at no cost. All we ask is that you share photos of your finished work so we can show donors how their contributions are supporting community care.Fabric requests can be submitted here: https://forms.gle/7dXMHTLB8j8U7eUk6

>Furniture donations continue to arrive weekly. If you’re looking for furniture, please reach out via our social media channels. While we’re unable to accommodate special requests, we’re happy to let you know if specific items become available.

 

 

Stay Connected

Follow Along:

  • DTES Emergency Supply Hub on Facebook
  • DTES Hub on Instagram
  • @DTESHub138 on X
  • @Evan Reeks on Tiktok
  • Let’s Talk Recovery on TikTok

Thank you for staying connected.

Community care is built together. Collaboration over competition.

Evan Reeks
Operations Manager DTES Distribution and Emergency Supply Hub at Vancity OPS
6046794019
We acknowledges that we are situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.