About Hope in Shadows

Hope in Shadows is a charitable organization creating positive social change for people and communities impacted by poverty and marginalization. Our projects empower, educate, and provide employment training to low income people in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and beyond.

Our flagship project is the annual Hope in Shadows photography contest - coordinated by the Pivot Legal Society - which gives Downtown Eastside residents the opportunity to portray their community through their own eyes. A selection of the contest's best images is featured in the annual Hope in Shadows calendar which is sold on the streets of Vancouver by homeless and low-income vendors. Free training and support are provided to those interested in managing their own micro-business.

The charity also works with a number of non-profit organizations including:

Megaphone Magazine which provides regular employment opportunities and a voice for homeless and low-income people. Megaphone vendors earn valuable income and build community through the sale of a professionally designed, bi-weekly magazine.

The Canadian Drug Policy Consortium which works to promote public education and dialogue in Canada on drug policy, evidence-based policy development, citizen engagement and building partnerships across sectors. CDPC aims to contribute to the development of drug policies that substantially reduce the harms related to substance use in Canada.