The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre's mandate is to provide basic needs and positive change for women and children in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. We operate a low-barrier drop-in centre and emergency night shelter in one of Canada's poorest urban communities.

We exist to support and empower women and children living in extreme poverty, in an area characterized by high levels of violence, homelessness, and addictions and where women and children are particularly vulnerable. We provide practical support to over 500 women and children daily, including safe, women-only space (inclusive of transgender women), hot nutritious meals, basic needs such as clothing, toiletries, and hygiene products, computer and phone access, support services such as advocacy, HIV case management, victim services, and cultural programming. By connecting women to a continuum of care, we aim to work towards their long-term empowerment and well-being.