A safe drop-in centre is now available for sex trade workers in the Moncton area and several community organizations including YWCA Moncton were involved in its creation.
The Sanctuary is in a discrete downtown location where individuals can shower, take a nap, have a bite to eat, or access harm reduction supplies such as needles.
They can also share information with others at the centre such as reporting “bad Johns”.
YWCA spokesperson Jenn Fredericks says she has been a front line worker for several years and asked sex trade workers what was needed in the community.
“It (their answer) was always a safe place for them to go, whether it be in the evening or during the day, but a space for them. Really a space for them and by them,” she notes.
Fredericks says individuals can also receive help to access other agencies or health professionals.
She regularly meets with about 40 to 50 people in the sex trade in Moncton and believes it’s not their role to convince people to get out of the industry.
“We really meet people where they are at. We do not help people exit sex work if this is the work that they choose to do then we will support them there. And if there is something that they do want to do… something different… then we will support them there as well.”
Fredericks adds the growing problem of homelessness in the community has often meant that people enter the sex trade for survival.
The Sanctuary is currently open from Sunday to Thursday from 4 until 7-pm and she adds those hours could eventually be extended.
Other community partners involved in the drop-in centre include Crossroads for Women, Ensemble Moncton, the Salvus Clinic and YMCA ReConnect.
