ABOUT LIVING IN COMMUNITY
History | Our Vision | Objectives | Steering Committee Members
History
Living in Community grew out of discussions at the grassroots level between resident groups, business improvement associations, community policing centres and neighbourhood houses. These groups came together because they recognized the need to identify and address the underlying issues associated with sex work instead of using pressure to force these issues into other neighbourhoods and communities. In collaboration with sex workers, advocacy organizations and other community partners, this coalition then approached the Vancouver Agreement to become involved in the project.
The Vancouver Agreement is an urban development initiative of the Governments of Canada, British Columbia and the City of Vancouver formed in 2000 to develop and implement a coordinated strategy to promote health and safety throughout Vancouver. The Vancouver Agreement funds Living in Community and a 16-person Steering Committee, established in the fall of 2004, guides the project's activities.
The Steering Committee has met monthly and has broad representation from diverse community, government and business organizations as well as sex workers. A project coordinator was hired in June 2005 who in collaboration with the Steering Committee works to implement the project vision and objectives to build healthy and safe communities for all community members.
Our Vision
Living in Community envisions a city where each and every member feels safe, healthy, respected and supported to develop to their full potential. This is a place where all community members can contribute economically, socially and politically to increase the overall quality of life. Living in Community aims to create space to build healthy relationships that promote peace, equality, social justice, and a clean and safe physical environment.
Objectives
• To facilitate discussion and develop innovative partnerships between sex workers, community organizations, business groups, residents and governments.
• To raise awareness among all community members about issues facing sex workers.
• To improve health and safety for sex workers and to support those who wish to leave the industry.
• To improve conditions for all community members related to the effects of sex work.
• To develop a locally appropriate action plan with strategies to increase health and safety for all community members.
Steering Committee Members
Collingwood Community Policing Centre
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Hastings North Business Improvement Association
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood Associations
Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education (PACE)
Prostitutes' Empowerment Education Resource Society (PEERS)
Sex Workers
Vancouver Aboriginal Council
WISH Drop-in Centre Society
City of Vancouver
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Vancouver Police Department