About

Our Purpose
 
DOWNTOWNEASTSIDE.ORG highlights the daily realities residents, advocates, and organizations face within Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). We bring attention to the efforts that have been made and are ongoing and might shape the future of this vibrant community. We strive to illuminate the difficulties and successes in addressing issues that impact tens of thousands of people. As a community-focused initiative, we aim to build understanding, spark meaningful conversations, and connect people with the resources and ideas that inspire positive change. We are driven by curiosity and a desire to understand better the community we are part of. This is a space for conversation, not conclusions.

While we are not a formal organization, our efforts are rooted in the collective desire to promote awareness, encourage dialogue, and explore solutions to the issues that matter most. From local events and community stories to broader discussions about social challenges, we strive to represent the many perspectives that make DTES a unique and vital part of Vancouver.

Through collaboration and community engagement, we hope to celebrate the strength of those working to make a difference while offering a space for exploration, advocacy, and connection.

Author Policy

We are committed to producing high-quality, well-researched writing that informs, engages, and inspires our readers. We expect all contributing authors to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Our articles are fact-driven and rooted in credible sources. We encourage original reporting, thoughtful analysis, and a clear, professional tone that respects the complexity of the issues we cover. We aim to provide content that maintains the depth and rigour our audience expects. Authors are required to deliver accurate, balanced, and impactful stories that contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

Statement for Anonymity Policy

At DOWNTOWNEASTSIDE.ORG, we believe in the power of sharing personal stories and perspectives to shed light on the challenges faced by our community. Many of us are residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and have experienced firsthand the hardships and traumas of being part of a marginalized population.

Due to the deeply personal nature of our experiences, some contributors have chosen to remain anonymous. This decision is not taken lightly—it protects the privacy, safety, and emotional well-being of those who share their stories. By allowing contributors to write anonymously, we create a space where voices can be heard without fear of judgment or reprisal.

This approach also aligns with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) principles, which protects the rights of Indigenous individuals and communities to privacy and control over their personal information. Some of our contributors identify as Indigenous, and we are committed to respecting their right to share stories on their terms while safeguarding their privacy.

To maintain transparency and credibility, we use consistent pseudonyms or role-based attributions where possible, and our editorial team carefully reviews all content to ensure accuracy and integrity. We aim to advocate for meaningful change by highlighting the lived experiences of those who call this neighbourhood home. Anonymity allows us to do so while safeguarding every contributor’s dignity and personal circumstances. Please contact us if you have questions about our anonymity policy or would like to contribute to DOWNTOWNEASTSIDE.ORG.
 
A Space for Many Voices

We believe that every voice matters and are open to diverse perspectives. DOWNTOWNEASTSIDE.ORG does not endorse or represent any single opinion but encourages respectful engagement with all points of view. We do not discriminate or silence opinions. Instead, DOWNTOWNEASTSIDE.ORG reflects a range of opinions and observations, with the understanding that the DTES involves many layers and voices. The area’s complexities are vast, and any viewpoint that adds to the conversation is considered valuable. This initiative is not intended to be definitive, nor does it represent any particular agenda or claim to offer solutions. It’s simply an attempt to understand what has happened, what is happening, and what might come next for the DTES. Whether you are a resident, advocate, or someone with a personal connection to the area, your thoughts and experiences contribute to a broader understanding of what can be changed.
 
Facing the Facts
 
It is undeniable that Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside faces challenges that are more prevalent here than in almost any other part of the city or even the country. These issues, unique to this area, cannot be swept under the rug with vague language or sugar-coated terms. Ignoring the reality of the DTES not only fails to serve the residents and individuals involved in its daily life but perpetuates the cycle of harm, creating a long-term barrier to real solutions. We firmly believe these issues must be brought into the light, openly acknowledged, and continuously discussed if any meaningful progress is to be made. By using language that highlights the gravity of the problems while seeking practical solutions, we aim to foster conversations that can lead to real change.
 
Speak Up

Understanding the full scope of the Downtown Eastside means listening to the many voices that shape it. We welcome your contributions if you have an opinion, a personal reflection, or a story to share. While we can’t guarantee every submission will be featured, we deeply value the diverse perspectives that help paint a more complete picture of the DTES. If you have thoughts or experiences to share, feel free to contact us at vancouver@downtowneastside.org – your voice could be part of the change.