ABOUT US

Customer Testimonials

“Mission Possible supports the Washington Market as a local community market. We are grateful for the convenience and impeccable customer service.”

- Ida Wang Manager of Administration, Mission Possible

“I like it. The people are good, and the price is right.”

- Market customer

“The Washington Market has long been a reliable and essential social enterprise in the DTES, providing a more affordable option for staple foods while providing meaningful employment in the neighbourhood. The Market’s central location near Main and Hastings makes it an incredibly walkable and accessible (and friendly) resource for our community members and staff alike. Supplementing our need for general food supplies quickly is a valuable convenience for our operations as a non-profit housing and healthcare provider in the neighbourhood.”

- Tanya Fader, Director of Housing, PHS Community Services Society

Market past & present

The history of the Washington Community Market reflects the story of the Downtown Eastside itself. Passionate people advocating for residents’ rights. Organizations working together to tackle complex challenges. And the commitment to creating - and maintaining - low-barrier spaces where everyone belongs.

After several years operating as a local food security program by Vancouver Coastal Health, PHS Community Services Society took over operations of the Washington Community Market in 2011. For many years, the Market continued to operate thanks to ongoing support from Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Housing. In 2021, the Community Impact Real Estate Society assumed management and operations of the Market, with a vision to grow its impact in the community.

Now non-profit organizations, housing operators, health providers and other local businesses are invited to support the neighbourhood and its residents by purchasing groceries, goods and supplies from the Market. Open an account and get started today.

Future of the market

Big news! The market is growing to meet more of your needs. We have exciting plans to expand our store. Soon we will be providing hot meal options, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as more meat, protein and deli products. Locals will also find the store more easily after we create improved signage in the neighbourhood. The only thing that isn’t changing? Our staff’s commitment to making you feel right at home.

OUR TEAM

Everyone gets a warm welcome from the staff at the Washington Community Market.

We are proud to call local residents our team members - and are always looking to grow.

join our team

MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERS

Rakesh, Store Manager

Rakesh has a deep appreciation for his team’s work ethic and coordination and values working in a place where everyone is welcome. Prior to joining the WCM, Rakesh had worked in the Downtown Eastside for almost a decade.

“Working here has helped me create a lot of memories,” he says. “It gives me a great joy that I could be a part of something that has over 20 years of history supporting the Downtown Eatside.”

Miyuki, Assistant Store Manager

Miyuki has been serving our customers with care and compassion for 20 years. Warm and welcoming, resourceful and responsive, Miyuki makes sure every customer is treated with dignity and respect. The eyes and ears of our store, she makes sure the Market is always adapting to people’s changing needs.

To our customers, she writes: “Not know where you from, not know where you live, not know about your life, but you are our neighbours. When you shop at the market, we are always glad to see you again. Thank you for coming!”

Amit, Store Clerk

Amit is a new member to our team, working at the market since 2021. Amit takes pride in ensuring residents of the Downtown Eastside have access to healthy food and daily necessities.

“Through my job I have gotten to know people’s stories and how they arrived in this community,” says Amit. “We know and trust each other.”

Tracey, Store Clerk

The newest member of the team, Tracey is getting to know the market and the residents it serves every day. She finds it rewarding to to know she can make a small, positive impact on people’s lives, including providing nutritional food at affordable prices. Tracey used to live in the community several decades ago and is glad to return to join our team.

“It makes me feel alive working here,” says Tracey. “I wish there was a place like this in my days.”