Downtown Eastside community groups call for urgent support for the homeless
Nov 2nd, 2023 Community groups in the Downtown Eastside are putting forward nine recommendations to multiple layers of government, hoping to help those who are
Exchange Inner City collectively fosters conditions for a vibrant, inclusive and equitable local economy in the Downtown Eastside.
EIC has been identifying gaps, increasing capacity and building relationships since 2016.
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What We Do
Strengthen the Livelihoods Continuum
EIC works with non-profit organizations, social enterprises, businesses, government, community partners and residents, to build a sustainable low-barrier employment ecosystem in the DTES.
Advocacy & Awareness
EIC is creating a diverse constituency that understands and advocates for community economic development and that specifically benefits DTES residents with barriers to employment.
DTES Collaboration
EIC fosters relationships and brings together people across networks and organizations to strengthen collaboration, communication, knowledge sharing and effective action.
How We Do It
Collaboration
Breaking down silos. As a collaborator and community builder, EIC proactively engages with various community groups to bring diverse voices to the table to help build alignment. Staff of EIC, CCRN (Coordinated Community Response Network) & Urban Core, also meet regularly to strengthen our coordination and collective voice and ultimately build more effectiveness in the DTES.
Engagement
Connected. EIC is an active participant in a diversity of groups including the Mayor’s Peninsula Group, City-Wide CBA Working Group, CCRN, Urban Core, Buy Social Canada Collaborators, and more.
Action
Advance ideas. EIC develops, pilots, leads, implements and partners on different projects with the goal of enhancing EIC’s knowledge, staying connected to community residents, and actively creating opportunities that advance community economic development.
OUR INITIATIVES
Projects
EIC projects include the Peer Engagement Team, Ambassadors Project, and Activate DTES.
Community Benefits Network (CBN)
A bi-monthly meeting to discuss and influence how the DTES community and residents can derive maximum benefits from Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs).
Social Procurement Roundtable
A quarterly gathering, co-led by Buy Social Canada, enabling social enterprises, social value suppliers, anchor institutions, the City and local businesses to build connections and share best practices.
LATEST NEWS
Here’s a Quick Way the BC Government Can Reduce Poverty
Andrew MacLeod, 19 Oct 2023, The Tyee Start by raising desperately low income and disability assistance rates, says advocacy group. If the B.C. government wants
Changing ‘Welfare Wednesday’ Could Save Lives. Why Haven’t We Done It?
Overdose deaths spike after cheque day, but policymakers fear unintended consequences of changes. Jen St. Denis, October 16, 2023, The Tyee It’s a fact that’s shown
The Downtown Eastside
Resident Profile: Susan Barns
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Social Enterprise Profile: B The Change
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Exchange Inner City recognizes that its work takes place in what is now known as Vancouver, which is located on the unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh(Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil- Waututh) who have lived here since time immemorial, who are Rights holders and stewards of these lands and waters.
Vancouver is located on territory that was never ceded, or given up to the Crown by the Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil-Waututh peoples. The term unceded acknowledges the dispossession of the land and the inherent rights that Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh hold to the territory. The term serves as a reminder that Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh have never left their territories and will always retain their jurisdiction and relationships with the territory.
Exchange Inner City commits to supporting reconciliation as it strives to implement Community Economic Development.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Exchange Inner City recognizes that its work takes place in what is now known as Vancouver, which is located on the unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh(Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil- Waututh) who have lived here since time immemorial, who are Rights holders and stewards of these lands and waters.
Vancouver is located on territory that was never ceded, or given up to the Crown by the Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil-Waututh peoples. The term unceded acknowledges the dispossession of the land and the inherent rights that Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh hold to the territory. The term serves as a reminder that Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh have never left their territories and will always retain their jurisdiction and relationships with the territory.
Exchange Inner City commits to supporting reconciliation as it strives to implement Community Economic Development.
Exchange Inner City is GENEROUSLY FUNDED BY
