HIPS 906H Street, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
HIPS offers harm reduction, strength based serves to sex workers, drug users and their communities (including clients, third parties, families, parents and friends) to female, male and trans individuals in the DC Metro area.
HIPS prioritizes the participation of current and former sex workers at all levels of the organization including board, staff and volunteers. HIPS works to ensure that sex workers in the DC area are both informed and active in the conversations about their work through education, advocacy training and policy activities.
Criminalization and Stigma against sex workers are the most common issues faced by sex workers who come to HIPS. Criminalization of sex work leads not only to arrest, incarceration and loss of livelihood, but can affect personal relationships, housing status and the ability to get help when experiencing violence. Stigma against sex work often results in unnecessary policing, loss of housing, isolation, poor and non-existent medical care and lack of access to other forms of employment.
HIPS promotes the health, rights and dignity of individuals and communities impacted by sexual exchange and/or drug use due to choice, coercion, or cirumstances. HIPS provides compassionate, harm reduction services, advocacy, and community engagement that is respectful, non-judgemental and affirms and honors individual power and agency.