With the homeless count rising dramatically in the Lower Mainland, United Gospel Mission in the DTES is gearing up for 3,000 people to attend their Summer Connect Fair in a few weeks. This is a 50% increase from just last year.
This one-day, low-barrier fair brings together about 30 different services on Princess Street between Cordova and Hastings. Summer Connect has run annually since 2011. It offers participants access to employment, free legal aid, tax assistance, opportunities for housing or recovery programs, bike repairs, haircuts, along with free entertainment, raffle prizes, and food.
Summer Connect is just one of the variety of services the UGM has offered in the DTES for that past 80 years.
