The Shelter Garden

All quotes provided by WISH staff and participants.

Not long after the WISH Shelter opened in 2020 a massive mound of soil mysteriously appeared, providing the inspiration (and raw materials), for a small garden in the backlot. Soon participants and staff had created planters for the soil and filled them with plants and flowers.

WISH operates on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where nature is in short supply. That’s why this small garden has such a big impact. It offers a peaceful space for Shelter residents and other WISH participants to spend time, just enjoying the beauty.

Over the years we have discussed moving, changing, or even getting rid of the garden, but the conversation always comes back to the same thing: how much joy it brings participants.

The garden also offers a place to gather and mourn. Purple flowers were planted on International Overdose Awareness Day and the garden has become a home for painted memorial rocks, messages, and prayers honouring loved ones whose lives have been taken.

Everyone at WISH holds a part of this garden, including those who are no longer with us.

Although it is modest in size, the Shelter Garden has room for everyone who wants to contribute.

This year, one resident has planted flowers in hanging pots to attract hummingbirds, and another passionate gardener on staff has been bringing in seeds from all over: her personal collection, one of the Vancouver Public Library seed banks, and a local librarian who is a part-time farmer!

The garden is symbolic of the work that happens here and the relationships that develop at WISH. With care, over time, small contributions from many people have created something beautiful with deep meaning. Thank you to the Shelter residents, Drop-In participants, WISH staff and volunteers who continue to care for this improbable, and wonderful, gift to the community.

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Check out WISH programs and services to learn more about the ways WISH is responding to the needs of women and gender diverse sex workers in our community.

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This article is part of WISH’s 2026 Spring Newsletter. Read more to learn why your Spring donation to Support Safety can help centre the needs of sex workers in our community.