About WISH

For over 40 years WISH Drop-In Centre has been a safe space for street-based sex workers and a critical point of contact for essential services and peer support.

Based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, WISH operates on the unceded, stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.

Purpose

WISH exists so women, trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary sex workers can live and work on their own terms, free from violence, judgment and rescue. We create space for safety and connection by centring street-based voices within our community.

Vision

Safety. Dignity. Self-Determination.
For every sex worker.

WISH’s Core Commitments translate these principles into action. Learn more here.

More than 850 women (cis and trans) and gender diverse sex workers connect with WISH 160,000+ times each year.

Every Month

5,298 meals served

53 one-to-one meetings with InReach

1,152 condoms distributed

673 safe nights
of sleep

1 participant secures long-term housing

30 overdoses responded to

About WISH Participants

Street-based sex workers are impacted by systems that enforce inequity.

Colonialism, racism, gender-based violence, transphobia, the toxic drug crisis, sex work stigma and the criminalization of sex work all contribute to the severe discrimination faced by many WISH participants.

Despite these immense barriers, WISH participants are resilient, intelligent and strong.

*Demographic data from By Us, For Us: A Needs & Risks Assessment of Sex Workers in Metro Vancouver and on Southern Vancouver Island

100% are low income

75% live with disabilities

53% are Indigenous

47% are homeless or precariously housed

46% are LGBTQ2S+

20% are Black and other people of colour

WISH supports self-determination in an inclusive, non-judgmental environment.

Read more about WISH programs, stories, newsletters, and related research, to learn:

  • how these essential services work to meet the immediate needs of participants
  • how wraparound programs provide reliable supports for participants seeking lasting change
  • and how you can play a role in this vital work.

Participant Quotes

“Wow, usually no one will listen. I’ve told people so many times this was an issue but no one actually helped me.”

– WISH participant

“It’s nice when sex work doesn’t become my whole identity, my whole thing. I’m a lot more than that. It’s my job, it’s not everything. People find that out and suddenly that’s what you are, it’s all you are. Not here, here I can laugh and actually talk to someone who will listen and help me.”

– WISH participant

“Trans friendly. Love the peeps that work there.”

– MAP Van Google review

“I’ve learnt that my experiences help someone else overcome their experiences.”

– WISH participant / SEP staff

Stand in solidarity with street-based sex workers.
Help make WISH happen.

Donate today

Make a monthly pledge

Drop-off new or gently used items

Volunteer

Sex work isn’t going anywhere.
Help ensure these vital supports aren’t going anywhere either.

To connect with someone at WISH, please visit our Contact page.