Am I eligible?

You are eligible if you:

• Identify as female

• Are over the age of 18

• Have experienced the sex trade

But I…

Use drugs or alcohol.

• That’s ok—you can still stay at the ERC shelter. When we do the intake process, we’ll let you know about the rules regarding on-site drugs or alcohol. In short, it’s ok if you’re using—but you cannot use or keep substances or paraphernalia on site.

• We can also help you connect to chemical dependency services during your stay if you’re interested.

Am still in the sex trade.

• That’s also ok—you are still welcome to stay with us.

• We know that exiting the sex trade is a complicated decision and we will support you while you decide what is best for your life.

Have a child.

• Unfortunately, we cannot accept children at the shelter.

What can I expect?

We’ll go into more details during the over-the-phone intake process, but you can expect:

• A private room with a door that closes

• Shared living and kitchen space

• Provided food and hygiene items

• A place to do your laundry

• Assistance setting and pursuing your own goals

• A 30-day stay with the possibility of an extension

• You can bring two bags of your own belongings

• You can keep your cellphone

• Closes during the day from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

• Some rules that help us keep the environment safe, respectful, and helpful include:

  • 11:00 p.m. curfew

  • No substances or paraphernalia on site

  • No threats of violence

  • No weapons

  • No recruiting

  • No visitors

  • No pets

  • Assigned cleaning/tasks

How can I stay at the shelter?

The best way to connect to any of our services, including doing the intake process for the shelter, is to call or text our 24/7 Hotline at (206) 451-REST (7378).