Crossroads offers alternatives, support and hope to children and adults involved in prostitution and at risk of sexual exploitation.
Persons involved in prostitution are subjected to terrible violence and abuse, physical and mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction, criminal persecution, poverty and homelessness.
The average age of entry into prostitution is 16, although children have been exploited as young as 11. Many come from homes where there was emotional, physical or sexual abuse.
Crossroads works through:
- Street and community outreach - Since the program’s inception in 1989, Crossroads staff
have been working directly on the streets and within the community. Program workers become
familiar with individuals engaging in prostitution. Staff provide information on sex offenders, safety and health, counselling and referrals, as well as emergency food and clothing.The Crossroads Outreach van went out into the community 156 times in 2009 averaging 15
contacts per shift. - Support and follow-up - Crossroads staff offer ongoing support with people they meet and with past residents of our housing services. Services provided include such things as support in court or at hospitals, independent housing, education or employment placements, connection and access to public or community services and support during recovery and healing from sexual exploitation.
- Housing - Our housing services provide residents
with stability and the supports necessary to address issues that lead
to prostitution and/or homelessness. Up to 18 beds in shared
accommodations at Crossroads House and Crossroads Downtown are available
offering safe and supportive housing to youth and women who are homeless and want help to exit
prostitution.
Crossroads also works actively with other E4C housing programs to meet the need for housing for persons involved in prostitution.
Collaboration toward long-term solutions - Crossroads collaborates with a variety of organizations and initiatives to advocate for long-term solutions and to educate about the complex issues surrounding prostitution. Ongoing partnerships include the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children initiative, the Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton (PAAFE) and RCMP Project KARE. They also participated in Client Support partnerships, court diversion, and advocacy for additional community support for
sexually exploited individuals.
For more information, please contact:
Crossroads Outreach9321 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5H 3T7
Phone: 780.474.7421
Fax: 780.497.7154
E-mail: xroadsoutreach@e4calberta.org
Crossroads Downtown
9321 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5H 3T7
Phone: 780.423.5533
E-mail: xroadsdowntown@e4calberta.org
Crossroads House
9321 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5H 3T7
Phone: 780.474.7547
E-mail: xroadshouse@e4calberta.org