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 - Working directly on the streets and within the community, Crossroads program workers become familiar with individuals engaging in prostitution. Staff provide information on sex offenders, safety and health; counselling and referrals; emergency food and clothing.
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; help in finding housing, schooling or employment; connection and access to public or community services; and assistance with 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 10 beds in shared accommodations at Crossroads House and Crossroads Too are available offering safe and supportive housing to youth, women, and single mothers with children who are homeless and want help to exit prostitution . Three long-term affordable housing units are available to families ready for independent housing at Crossroads Duplex.
Crossroads also works actively with other E4C housing programs such as Elizabeth House and the Home for Healing 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 Children Involved in Prostitution initiative, the Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton and RCMP Project KARE.

Each year Crossroads means support, safety, and hope to over 500 youth and adults trapped in the abuse, health risks, and exploitation involved with prostitution. 5-10 percent are children. Program activities are funded through government, community and United Way support.

For more information, contact:

Bonnie Matheson, Program Manager
Crossroads

Phone: 780.474.7547
Fax: 780.471.2311
E-mail: bmatheson@e4calberta.org