Harm Reduction Wins Big in Las Vegas
The saying goes: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
But not this time!
Last month, we (TAP resident Diana Burgos and CA employee Jessica Boyd), traveled to Las Vegas to give a presentation at the Desiree Alliance National Sex Workers Conference. With the assistance of harm reduction coordinator Sophia Bremer Korb, we created a workshop entitled, “Supportive Housing, Sex Workers, and Harm Reduction: An Empowering Threesome!” The presentation focused on Community Access and other Housing First agencies that provide beneficial services to former or current sex workers.
The presentation room was packed with a diverse audience of former and current sex workers and their allies, academics, social justice and human rights activist writers, service providers, artists and performers. During the presentation, we were asked a variety of questions about the services Community Access offers - many, in particular, about Pet Access and our new Crisis Respite Center.
One of us - Diana - shared wisdom gained through lived experiences and life as a Community Access resident. Many people approached us afterwards, moved by what they had heard, and asking about how to become a Community Access resident. Having a load of “C” magazines and CA postcards was helpful to answer these questions.
We also became students during the conference. We attended other presentations on topics such as anti-racism and anti-oppression, family relations, HIV/AIDS prevention, legal concerns, and supportive housing in many North American cities. And we were elated to befriend and connect with folks from all over, including Hawaii, Japan, Haiti, and Holland. Now back in NYC, we're excited to share what we've learned with both program participants and staff.
- Diana Burgos is a Community Access tenant and a member of our Harm Reduction Committee.
- Jessica Boyd is a (former) Community Access service coordinator and harm reduction specialist.
