Program Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 20, 2024

WISH announces program changes

Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. — In 2025, WISH Drop-In Centre programs will undergo significant changes, including a reduction in service delivery.

The difficult decision to reduce current levels of programming is related to funding constraints, and necessary to support our financial sustainability through the end of our fiscal year.

Starting February 7, the drop-in will be closed for a minimum of two months, and the MAP Van will stop providing the daytime services introduced during the Covid-19 crisis.

News of a closure is very hard to accept, as changes in service delivery will have an immediate impact on the health and safety of the people we serve.

At this time we are focused on providing support to participants. During the closure, WISH participants will have continued access to services through:

  • MAP Van night shift (11pm-5am). Providing referrals, food, harm reduction supplies, clothing and distributing Red Light Alerts.
  • 24/7 Shelter housing 20 residents and providing 3 crash beds, with food service including 3 meals and 4 snacks daily.
  • Indigenous Health & Safety Program providing cultural workshops and connection to ceremony for sex workers. Next cohort begins in January.
  • Sex Work Circle providing cross cultural and sex worker focused activities twice per week
  • InReach one-to-one support for sex workers, including assistance with housing, as well as connection to our community partners and services, such as medical and legal support.

The closure will also allow for essential, pre-planned bathroom renovations to be completed in anticipation of the drop-in’s reopening.

WISH exists to improve the health, safety and well-being of cis and trans women and gender diverse individuals working in the street-based sex trade.

Programming is led by WISH values—acceptance, caring, dignity and respect—and informed by the needs, and expertise, of participants.

We hope to reflect these values in our next steps. These include providing participants referrals to partner organizations, providing support to staff members whose roles are affected by these changes, and collaborating with funders to create a sustainable budget that supports the level of service delivery needed in our community.

WISH supporters, like you, are a part of this organization’s incredible history. Thank you for staying informed on issues affecting the women and gender diverse people WISH serves.

Thank you for your support.