Safe House

What It Is

Over the past years, it became apparent that there are very young girls and boys being sexually exploited both on and off the street. Sexual exploitation may be the exchange of sexual acts for money but it may also include a young person seeking cigarettes, clothes or shelter in exchange for something.

The allure of the street is powerful - money, excitement and a pseudo-glamorous lifestyle. When a young person is ready to leave the streets or a particular lifestyle, it is important that there be resources immediately available for them.

Purpose's Role

The safehouse is a two bed (unlicensed) house which will increase to five beds at the end of August when the licensing procedure is completed. Youth may stay up to 14 days but there are exceptions made to this. Staff completes an assessment of the youth's needs and work with Ministry social workers on a care plan. Unfortunately, there is an insufficient number of support services for these youth. Often there is no place to move them on to. The location is kept confidential so that the young people who stay at the house are kept safe from pimps and others who are exploiting them.

This is a very expensive resource to operate. Because many of the youth have been subject to abuse and may be at very high risk of self-mutilation, drug abuse and other harmful behaviours, it is necessary to have two staff at all times. The staff are positive role models for the youth. They provide youth with more positive options and the opportunity to make better choices for their lives.