Who is EMBERS?
EMBERS (Eastside Movement for Business
& Economic Renewal Society) is a community economic development charity that works to
combat poverty and assists in the revitalization of Vancouver through
community-based business development. We offer employment services, green building solutions and small
business training. Our mission is to empower disadvantaged people to be economically self-sufficient. We run three programs:
EMBERS Staffing Solutions, a social enterprise, is a temporary staffing agency that connects companies with workers.
EMBERS Ventures provides business training programs and support services to entrepreneurs.
EMBERS Green Renovations, a social enterprise, provides energy efficient upgrades and renovation services to property owners.
Our History
Our story begins with a passion for
assisting and encouraging community engagement in Vancouver’s Downtown
Eastside. EMBERS’ mission was
developed as a response to announcements from the City and other stakeholders
to revitalize Vancouver’s inner city.
The importance and necessity of resident engagement during this planned
transformation was not lost on community leaders; they committed themselves to
building a partnership with residents to reengage the area to its past economic
prominence. After over a year of
research and consultations with inner-city residents, EMBERS was officially
established as a non-profit organization on August 31, 2001. EMBERS began its services by offering
training programs for budding entrepreneurs, and since then, has grown to offer
employment services and green building solutions inclusive to inner-city
residents and the larger community of Vancouver. True to its roots, EMBERS remains in the heart of the City
in the Woodwards building; a building that offers a friendly reminder of the
past and inspires hope and inclusive revival of the heart
of Vancouver. Thanks to the
support of residents, community groups and economic leaders, EMBERS’ seeks
continued success to fulfill its mandate of offering visionary opportunities
for active participation in creating an economically sustainable environment
for everyone.
