Development could house sex work diversion program
Special-use permit needed for operation
A Milwaukee central city development is adding a new building that could house a diversion program to help women who work in the street sex trade.
The Benedict Center wants to operate its Sisters Program at the building being developed at 1609 W. North Ave., according to new plans filed with the city Board of Zoning Appeals.
Sisters is a diversion program for sex workers.
Women are referred there by police, prosecutors or street outreach workers. They can receive counseling and can attend group therapy and support sessions.
The program provides connections to housing and health care services as well as basic needs, such as meals and clothing.
It also is a resource for sexual assault and trafficking victims, according to the zoning board filing.
The Sisters Program has been providing such services in the neighborhood since 2011, most recently at 3624 W. North Ave. It also operates on Milwaukee’s south side, within Hope House, at 209 W. Orchard St.
The program would use around 2,900 square feet in the new 5,500-squarefoot building, according to Walnut Way Conservation Corp. That nonprofit neighborhood improvement group is developing the building, which is to be completed by early fall.
The building has space for additional tenants, including Milwaukee Area Health Education Center, Perseverance Health and Wellness Coaching and Consultation Services, and Living Well with Marrika.
The Sisters Program needs a special use permit to occupy part of the building as a social service facility. The zoning board is to review that case at its March 5 meeting.
The building is the second phase of Innovations and Wellness Commons.
The first phase, completed in 2015 at 1615-1617 W. North Ave., is a renovated building that houses a commercial kitchen operated by the nonprofit Milwaukee Center for Independence and offices for Fondy Food Center, which operates the Fondy Farmers Market.