Drop-in centre for sex workers forced to close temporarily due to funding issues

The WISH Drop-In Centre Society, a group that provides supports for street-based sex workers, says it will be temporarily reducing its services.

Beginning Feb. 7, the drop-in centre will be closed for a minimum of two months, it says.

“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,” the society said in a news release.

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WISH will continue to operate its 24/7 shelter that houses 20 residents. As well, it will still provide its InReach one-to-one support for sex workers.

Also starting Feb. 7, the MAP Van — which provides referrals, food, and clothing and distributes Red Light Alerts — will cease daytime operations but will continue to operate overnight between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The day shift was launched during the pandemic as a temporary offering, WISH says.

The group says the closure will also allow them to make essential bathroom renovations.

The City of Vancouver, which provides grants to the group, tells 1130 NewsRadio it currently has no plans to increase funding.

“The City’s funding support for WISH remains unchanged at this time,” said Jessie Bennett, City of Vancouver communications manager.

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“We have been in communication with WISH to understand their current situation and to explore ways to support the continuity of essential services during this transition period.”

According to WISH’s 2023-24 financial statements, just over $200,000 of a total of $5.1 million in government grants came from the City of Vancouver, with the bulk of its grant revenue coming from the B.C. government. Funding from foundations and donations totalled about $2 million for the year. The drop-in centre was responsible for just under $2.3 million in expenses in 2023-24, and the MAP Van cost the society just over $1 million.

WISH has been providing services for street-based sex workers in the Lower Mainland for 40 years.