Mobile Access Project
(MAP Van)

Read the feedback from any of the participants who have accessed The Mobile Access Project (MAP) Van, and you understand the urgent importance of this service which makes more than 1,400 connections with women and gender diverse folks every month.

“Without the MAP van I probably wouldn’t be alive anymore.“

— MAP Van Participant

“I was walking home one night and the van stopped to give me a cup of coffee. I came in for a while, and I didn’t tell them but I was feeling very suicidal and I didn’t have any numbers of a crisis line or anyone to talk to. If it wasn’t for the van I don’t know if I would still be here.”

— MAP Van Participant

The MAP Van provides outreach services to street-based sex workers from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., every day of the week, every day of the year. Many participants trade in areas of the city where there are few or no services open late at night. They are extremely vulnerable and often targeted.

Our staff drive the same route every evening, making additional stops as requested from women by phone. We share coffee, juice, water, snacks and clothing in addition to essential health supplies such as condoms and clean needles. We refer participants to emergency shelters, health care services and other supports as requested.

As with all WISH services, the MAP Van provides emotional support. It is staffed entirely by women, many of whom have experience in the sex industry and all of whom are able to provide caring and compassionate support. Participants at their most vulnerable know they can speak to someone, take a break and feel cared for.

“You guys are my angels at night! Thank you so much for what you do.”

— MAP Van Participant

“The van saved my life many times.”

— MAP Van Participant

The MAP Van was born of a partnership between WISH and PACE Society in 2004. In 2015, thanks to the MAC AIDS Fund and a generous donation from the estate of Anne Langer, WISH purchased a new van.

Generously funded by:

• Province of BC (Victim Services & Crime Prevention)
• City of Vancouver
• Vancouver Coastal Health

New Daytime Shift generously funded by:

• Anonymous Donor
• The Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Vancouver Foundation
• Reaching Home