Community Support Services for Sex Workers
Information
As ANSWER Society has ceased operations, we are still dedicated to ensuring that the sex work community continues to have access to crucial services. Below is a directory of trusted allied organizations across Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer that offer a variety of supports, from emotional and legal advocacy to practical assistance like safe sex supplies and transit help. We encourage you to connect with these organizations for continued support and resources.
Edmonton
Edmonton Canadian Sex Workers Collective
A non-profit supporting sex workers across Canada while advocating for sex worker rights.
Services: Transit assistance, licensing assistance, safe sex supplies, respite space, use of printer.
Contact: Mona (cswcedmonton@gmail.com)
Creating Hope Society - STREET Program
STREET is a comprehensive program that has been reducing harm for sex workers since July 2021. Focused on a client-centered approach, it offers personalized support and fosters positive relationships with those at high risk of marginalization. Services include basic needs support, advocacy, addictions guidance, and more. STREET also hosts a monthly support group, "The Circle: Victims of Homicide," for those grieving the loss of loved ones.
Services: One-on-one support, safety planning, guidance, emotional support, community collaborations, and more.
Contact: Felicia Ricard (program.manager@creatinghopesociety.ca)
Sagesse
Sagesse offers support to anyone at the intersection of domestic abuse and sex work. Their 20-week peer support program, "Believe in You," helps individuals maintain an abuse-free lifestyle while addressing the unique challenges faced by sex workers.
Services: Support for those impacted by domestic abuse, coercive control, and sex work. Offers peer support groups, safety planning, one-on-one peer support, and educational programs.
Contact: Alyssa Smith (programs@sagesse.org)
The City of Edmonton provides licensing for sex workers employed at in-call body rub centers, erotic dance venues, or as outcall escorts. Below, you’ll find detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to obtain your work license in the City of Edmonton.
For comprehensive access to government and community resources, as well as documents for government benefits applications in Alberta. From vital community partnerships to assistance with housing, healthcare, legal aid, and income support.
Stigma Free STI Testing for Sex Workers at the HIV Clinic in Edmonton. The client is always in control of what they want to be tested for.
Testing can be kept anonymous, pseudonyms/working names are ok to test under. Samples can be self-collected.
Calgary
Red Deer
Alberta
SafeLink Alberta - Shift
Shift is a Calgary-based program supporting people currently, previously, or intending to be engaged in sex work. Using a rights-based approach, it recognizes sex work as a choice for many while acknowledging the challenges of poverty and exploitation. The program meets people wherever they are in their journey, whether they want to continue sex work, transition, or need advocacy.
Services: Emotional support, system navigation, referrals, peer connection, safer supplies, appointment accompaniment, advocacy, law/policy education, bad date reporting.
Contact: Hanako Rodgers (hanako.rodgers@safelinkalberta.ca)
Turning Point
The program focuses on supporting pregnant women and those of childbearing age to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health, reduce stigma, and promote harm reduction strategies.
Services: Perinatal support and women-centric support.
Contact: Katherine Rauch katherine.rauch@turningpoint-ca.org
Shawna - Counselling Services
Shawna has supported sex workers for 24 years and worked with ANSWERS participants. She offers continued support for sex workers and is grateful for the partnership with ANSWERS.
Services: Counseling for sex workers through a Somatic Experience lens (virtual and in-person)
Contact: Shawna shawnahohendorff@gmail.com
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I do have coverage through my First Nations status card but all the therapy places that take my Treaty card have a 2 year waiting list. The counsellor I saw is so amazing and I honestly feel so much better just from even one session
"I had hit a road block financially and had run out of money, the gift cards for gas and food saved me and I was able to transition to a better financial space... also the support from ANSWERS in terms of chatting over the phone helped me to feel safe and heard - so so integral to getting myself back up on my feet again!"
Had put off filing taxes for four years because I was unsure who to ask for help. I have a few mental health issues and have trouble with Math and organization (that’s resulted in taxes being a mess and having to pay tons in late fees etc). This was God sent!