The Union Gospel Mission on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is holding an event today aimed at improving the well-being of neighbourhood residents.
The Summer Connect event will run from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. outside the UGM at Princess and Hastings Streets.
The mission is partnering with 40 other agencies to offer everything from legal assistance, housing support, job assistance, wheelchair and bicycle repair, pet care, and medical foot washing. A free all-day breakfast will also be served under the tents on Princess St.
David Arnold of Mobile Hairsyling says something as simple as a haircut can restore a vulnerable person’s confidence.
“People instantly feel good about how they look after,” says Arnold, who has been volunteering in the neighbourhood for more than 10 years. “It is always nice to see a positive reaction when they look in the mirror, especially if they haven’t had a haircut in a long time. Hopefully, if they like the way they look, confidence will shine through and they will receive more of the respect that they deserve. ”
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