Sex workers in the region are going to be given free smartphones with two months of talk and text after the Safe Harbour Outreach Program received funding from United Way.

SHOP was selected as one of 15 organizations to receive a portion of the $21,000 in funding. The money will be used for all different resources to help vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Heather Jarvis, program coordinator with SHOP, says the stigma around sex workers creates barriers—especially now.

She says there is much misinformation that continues to circulate around the workers’ lives and needs. They continue to see dehumanizing comments shared by people of their communities.

Jarvis says a cell phone gives the workers the opportunity to stay connected.

Jarvis explains that the phone will allow someone to know what resources are available, when food banks are open, where you can access online counseling, and find updated health information among other things.