Our Story
The Dugout story, as told by founder Bob Burrows
In 1967, when I was a young minister at First United Church in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, I secured the moral support of four churches to explore the possibility of starting a drop-in centre that would provide a “living room” for the hundreds of people living on the street or in tiny single-occupancy rooms downtown. We wanted to provide a beer-parlour atmosphere but have coffee instead of beer.
On my first afternoon looking for a space, a realtor took me to 59 Powell Street where 1500 square feet was being used to store empty cartons. The cost was $75 per month, and I said “yes” right away. Over the next six weeks, several downtown men joined me in fixing up the space, and the City of Vancouver expedited the permit process.
We opened on December 9, 1967 and have been open virtually every day since.
In the late 1970s the building was for sale, and to prevent the Dugout from losing its space, the City of Vancouver purchased the building and still owns it to this day.
Between 150 and 200 people enjoy soup, coffee, and buns at 7:30 am daily. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings have been held at the Dugout since April 1, 1968.
Throughout the day coffee is available, and snacks and bread donated by several bakeries and stores are given to the hundreds of people who visit the Dugout each day hoping for a muffin, a piece of cake, or a loaf of bread.
The essential work at the Dugout is done by three part-time staff and many volunteers. We also have an Executive Director. We have a roster of regular volunteers who work for several hours each week, drawn from the local community and coming from every walk of life.
After over 50 years I still believe in the value of the Dugout, and the nourishment and hope it brings to so many. It will be most appreciated if you are able to support this project.
GET INVOLVED
Every donation, no matter how small, goes a long way to serving those in the Downtown Eastside.