OP-ED: Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside rewards burnout, so how do we change this?

Author Sarah Beley
A decade in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside taught me that good intentions aren’t enough, and without governance and boundaries, empathy can quietly burn us out.

Why It Matters

Structural compassion transforms empathy from a personal burden into a sustainable system, protecting both frontline workers and the communities they serve. Without it, urgency and identity can blur boundaries, leading to burnout, mission drift, and the erosion of long-term impact.

"Most charities don’t receive stable operating funding. The system rewards short-term projects. Staff spend as much time writing proposals as serving people."

Future of Good journalism and events produce insightful analysis and knowledge you need to work and grow.

Read this article with a free account or explore membership options for unlimited access.