By David P. Ball
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More than usual numbers of people entering sex trade for first time citing economic pressures, but finding few safe places to stay.

Vancouver is about to open the country's first overnight shelter solely for sex workers, who have been disproportionately harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But despite increases in the amount and ferocity of violence experienced especially by women in the sex industry, the new shelter has given hope to many in the community, and builds on existing 24/7 services offered by WISH Drop-in Centre Society.

Mebrat Beyene, executive director of WISH Drop-In Centre Society, says opening Canada's first overnight shelter for sex workers will hopefully provide a place of safety for many who have seen their working conditions worsen.

Beyene said many sex workers say their revenues nearly completely evaporated because of COVID-19, more isolation on empty streets, housing affordability at crisis proportions — and more than usual numbers entering the sex trade for the first time out of economic necessity during the pandemic.

The impacts have been felt the deepest among street and survival sex workers, especially those who are Indigenous, migrant and women of colour.