Sex worker support centre celebrates grand opening in Hamilton

Sex Workers’ Action Program (SWAP) Hamilton celebrated the opening of its drop-in centre in Hamilton Monday.

The centre is located at 771 Barton St. E., near Lottridge Street.

The non-partisan group’s centre will feature art, readings, and serve as a welcoming safe space that provides much needed support for sex workers.

A grant from Canadian Women’s Foundation and community donations allowed SWAP Hamilton to make the centre located in central Hamilton come to fruition.

SWAP Hamilton’s executive director, Jelena Vermilion, says the centre will provide a safe space for sex workers to receive support.

“Having a space is really important because it helps centre their needs. They can come into the space and have a place of solace where they’re not needed to justify their existence every breath, or educate about who they are and what they do. They can seek service and actually receive those services without judgement,” says Vermilion.