A safe drop-in centre for sex trade workers in Moncton may eventually expand its hours.
The Sanctuary was established earlier this year in a discrete downtown location thanks to a number of community partners.
The centre is now open from Sundays to Thursdays from 4 until 7pm but it may soon be open later in the evenings.
YWCA spokesperson Jenn Fredericks says those who are using the drop-in centre see it as a refuge.
Fredericks says it is considered a shelter by some workers where they can take a shower or a nap, grab a bite to eat or obtain clean syringes.
Previously for survival reasons, Fredericks says sex trade workers would exchange services to stay in a hotel room or on someone’s couch to avoid sleeping outside.
The Sanctuary is a collaborative effort of several organizations including YWCA Moncton, the Salvus Clinic, Ensemble Moncton, Crossroads for Women and YMCA Reconnect.
