The WISH Drop-In Centre Society in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside has been a critical support hub for sex workers since its opening in 2020. Offering Canada’s first 24/7 emergency shelter for sex workers, it provides not only a safe place to rest but also meals, laundry, harm reduction supplies, and access to life-saving resources. However, beginning February 7, WISH will temporarily close its drop-in space for at least two months, a decision driven by mounting financial challenges.
This temporary closure raises significant concerns about the impact on an already marginalized community, where safe spaces are scarce, and the demand for support far exceeds supply.
A Resource Under Strain
The WISH Drop-In Centre has served as a lifeline for women and gender-diverse individuals navigating the precarious realities of street-based sex work. Beyond shelter, the centre has offered programming designed to improve health, safety, and well-being, including harm reduction supplies, cultural workshops, and assistance with housing and legal support.
Despite its vital role, WISH has faced growing financial pressure. In its 2023–2024 fiscal year, the centre operated with over $5 million in funding, primarily from the provincial government, foundations, and donations. The City of Vancouver contributed just $200,000 in grants, leaving WISH heavily reliant on other sources to maintain its $2.3 million drop-in operations and $1 million mobile services via the MAP Van. Even with careful budgeting, rising costs have forced the organization to reduce its programming.
The closure, while temporary, is a significant disruption to the services the community has come to rely on. WISH Executive Director Mebrat Beyene emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “These changes will have an immediate impact on the health and safety of the people we serve.”
The Human Impact
For many, WISH is more than a support service—it’s a place of refuge. The 24/7 shelter, which offers beds for 23 residents and three crash spaces for temporary stays, has been at capacity since it opened. Women and gender-diverse individuals frequently use the drop-in space as a safe place to sleep, with some even resorting to an outdoor area set up during the pandemic when indoor options were full.
The closure of the drop-in centre will likely exacerbate risks for those who rely on these resources to avoid unsafe environments. Without a secure space, many participants could be pushed back into hazardous situations, from unsafe work to the dangers of living on the street.
Although the MAP Van and the 24/7 shelter will continue to operate, these services cannot fully replace the drop-in space’s role in providing immediate, round-the-clock care. The temporary shutdown underscores the precariousness of services for marginalized populations in the DTES, where demand consistently outpaces capacity.
Adapting During the Closure
During the drop-in centre’s hiatus, WISH is focusing on maintaining other critical programs. The MAP Van will continue operating its night shift from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., offering referrals, harm reduction supplies, clothing, and Red Light Alerts. The 24/7 shelter will remain open, providing meals and safe spaces for residents, while participants can still access programs like the Indigenous Health & Safety initiative and the Sex Work Circle.
The closure period will also allow for essential renovations to the centre’s bathrooms, ensuring the facility is ready to resume operations when funding stabilizes. In the meantime, WISH is working to support its staff and collaborating with funders to create a sustainable budget for the future.
A Call for Stability
The temporary closure of WISH’s drop-in centre is a stark reminder of how fragile essential services can be, even for organizations with a long-standing presence in the DTES. It highlights the importance of stable, diversified funding to ensure that vital programs can weather financial pressures without disrupting support for the vulnerable populations they serve.
For the individuals who rely on WISH, this is more than a logistical pause—it’s a loss of security in a world where safety is often out of reach. While the centre’s leadership remains optimistic about reopening, the broader challenge remains: how to meet the growing demand for services in a community where need always seems to outpace resources.
WISH’s story is one of resilience, but it’s also a testament to the ongoing need for investment in programs that provide dignity, safety, and care for those who are too often overlooked. As the DTES waits for the centre’s doors to reopen, the urgency to find long-term solutions has never been clearer.
Monika is a dedicated Downtown Eastside activist and youth counsellor with extensive experience working alongside British Columbia and California community organizations. Passionate about harm reduction and youth empowerment, Monika’s advocacy focuses on creating impactful programs, offering a voice to those often overlooked.
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