Fall 2019 Project:

Completed: The Peers Powers Up Radical Renovation

PEERS supports marginalized people working in the sex industry.

The Issue

Stigma. Isolation. Vulnerability.

Whether someone is an active or lapsed sex-worker, they are faced with the same issues and difficulties of accessing the most basic of day to day needs, from housing to medical to finances. Supporting those most vulnerable and fostering empowerment is at the core of Peers’ mandate.

The need for advocacy, social justice and non-judgmental support for these stigmatized and marginalized people in our community is high and not offered by any other agency. The organization also works to identify and breakdown systemic barriers to assist clients to access services and resources. Peers has increased the number of clientele they support to almost 600 annually.

With this increased volume, their building needs a significant redesign and upgrade to empower their ability to deliver important programs, such as:

  • Nightly outreach program with PEERS van
  • A violence prevention & response program
  • Housing and community support
  • Harm reduction services and resources
  • A Health Advocate Training program
  • Daily drop-in lunch program for up to 75
  • A clothing bank
  • Education Group & Scholarship program

The Project

To increase Peers’ capacity to serve now and well into the future, HeroWork redesigned their interior space and made improvements to their outdoor area. This redesign fixed many systemic challenges, including safety and building code deficiencies. Elements included a brand-new kitchen, a teaching space, new shower, dining area, clothing bank, stairs, upgraded electrical and plumbing, harm reduction resources, nurse station, housing, counselling, improved outdoor space and much more.

Where

744 Fairview Road, in Esquimalt.

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Our 2019 Partners

Without these people & companies we wouldn't be able to organize and complete our 2019 Radical Renovations. Thank you to each of them!

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HeroWork Testimonials

Great crew, organization, and atmosphere.

Past HeroWork Volunteer

I love being on Facebook and photo duty. Share the love and community spirit!

Past HeroWork Volunteer

Great to see all the amazing effort that's gone into this transformation and kudos to everyone who stepped in to help others.

Past HeroWork Volunteer

I am very moved by the whole experience & being part of an enthusiastic community effort.

Past HeroWork Volunteer