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Quotes
from our Clients
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“[HIPS] helps
people out here…with
anything, like condoms and services for people, help [us] get jobs.”
“Keep
us grounded, keep us safe.”
“Other
organizations said they didn’t help
prostitutes. When I called HIPS, they helped me find options.”
“Look out for
youth, and to teach people to
practice safe sex.”
“HIPS is the only place I can talk about
issues with dates and clients, and also issues with my man.
They’re respectful and helpful.”
“There is no one else out there who will
take someone off the street, bring them in, give free condoms, free
t-shirts and teach them about HIV and housing.”
“It’s a beautiful network. HIPS
doesn’t just talk about ‘we have love,’ -- they show it. They are
out time after time.”
"I
love you for loving us" |
By
The Numbers
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In 2004 HIPS outreach contacted
6,560 individuals
2,011 youth under 24
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HIPS Hotline answered
469 calls for assistance
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HIPS Volunteers Donated
☺ Over 2,700 hours |
What
We've Done
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Outreach
In 2002-2003, HIPS mobile Outreach and
Education program provided HIV prevention education and outreach during
6,500 contacts with sex workers between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am,
utilized over 5,000 volunteer hours, and provided assistance to over
100 women who had been victims of violence while engaging in sex
work. HIPS Outreach also hosted 12 health workshops reaching over
50 sex workers. Thanks to a partnership with the Washington Free
Clinic, HIPS helped bring HIV testing and counseling services to over
70 individuals who otherwise might not have been
tested. HIPS also purchased a new HIPS Outreach
Vehicle in June, 2003.
Peer Education Program
HIPS peer education program has provided
leadership development opportunities and health education certification
for current and former male and transgendered sex workers since
1996. This year, Peer Educators from the “Divas Against AIDS” for
transgendered women and “Street Team” for men provided peer-facilitated
outreach, support groups and workshops. Peer Educators also
represented their communities at conferences, and in community meetings
between outreach workers and law enforcement representatives. In
December 2002, HIPS Peer Educators presented a workshop “From the
Streets of D.C. to Seattle” on peer-based interventions for sex workers
at the National Harm Reduction Conference.
Client Advocacy, Crisis Intervention and Hotline Services
HIPS received a generous grant from the D.C.
Deputy Mayor’s Office to provide hotline counseling, crisis
intervention and assistance to female sex workers who have been victims
of violence. A grant from Brother, Help Thyself allowed HIPS to
provide these similar services to male and transgendered individuals.
HIPS Hotline provided anonymous 24-hour access to non-judgmental
counseling, information, support and referrals to 320
individuals. HIPS Hotline counselors donated over 3,300 hours,
and answered over 320 calls. HIPS Client Advocacy program
assisted 18 women who experienced violence on the streets find
emergency shelter, food or medical services.
Professional Outreach and Education
HIPS collaborated with Howard University and
the Mid-Atlantic Minority AIDS Education Training Center to bring
cultural competency and sex work sensitivity training to over 100
medical and social service professionals in 02-03. HIPS training
sessions provide insight into the barriers and discrimination faced by
sex workers when accessing services and gives providers skills and
tools they can use to address the needs clients or patients engaged in
sex work.
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HIPS
mission is to assist female, male, and transgender individuals
engaging in sex work in Washington, DC in leading healthy lives. Using
a harm reduction model, HIPS’ programs strive to address the impact
that HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, discrimination,
poverty, violence and drug use have on the lives of individuals
engaging in sex work. |
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