FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 -
DTES Community Members Find Optimism & Opportunity at UGM’s 10th Annual Summer Connect
Summer Connect event ‘increasingly crucial’ for individuals experiencing homelessness after ongoing displacement
(Vancouver, B.C.) – DTES community members will be able to find life-changing opportunities at Union Gospel Mission’s (UGM) 10th annual Summer Connect. Around 2,000 people are anticipated where they’ll be able to connect with over 30 different service providers, including the Community Coordinated Response Network (CCRN).
“In light of the significant displacement experienced in the neighborhood this year, these types of initiatives have become increasingly crucial, says Hope Hart, CCRN Coordinator. “The decampment resulted in the dispersal of numerous residents, leaving them scattered across the city.”
Attendees will be able to discover employment opportunities, file income tax, apply for housing assistance, and also receive other necessities such as government ID and haircuts.
“Summer Connect tackles the uncertainty our community members may carry when it comes to accessing resources post-decampment and through an inflation, housing, and opioid crisis,” shares UGM’s Nicole Mucci. “At Summer Connect, community members can make strides towards transforming their lives in one day that might otherwise take weeks or months.”
MEDIA EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
Time: Media wishing to attend are welcome between 11 AM & 1 PM
Where: 601 East Hastings, Vancouver
Please RSVP to nmucci@ugm.ca or 778-999-3985 before arriving
Upon arrival at 601 E Hastings, please check in at the media table, located inside the UGM Reception.
CONTACT
Nicole Mucci
Media Relations & Communications Manager
Cell: 778-999-3985
nmucci@ugm.ca
ABOUT UNION GOSPEL MISSION
Union Gospel Mission has been feeding hope and changing the lives of men, women, youth, and children for more than 80 years. Through its eight locations in Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission, UGM provides emergency shelter, meals, outreach, career development counselling, education, safe and affordable housing, addiction recovery, and much more to those struggling with poverty, homelessness and addiction. The heart of UGM is to demonstrate God’s transforming love, ease the burden of those who are vulnerable, and come alongside people who feel cast aside. To learn more, visit www.ugm.ca.