Safe Exit Initiative opens Baltimore drop-in center

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The Safe Exit Initiative, an organization working to improve the lives of survivors of commercial sex exploitation, recently announced the expansion of its services at the Harbor Baltimore program. 

SEI launched its new drop-in center at 424 S. Pulaski St., which is designed to serve as a welcoming space providing critical services for individuals with lived or living experience in the sex trade. SEI’s local drop-in center will also offer preventative programming for at-risk youth. According to SEI, services include access to food, clothing, rest, harm reduction materials, hygiene supplies, case management, support groups and referrals. In 2020, the nonprofit launched a similarly missioned drop-in center in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

Since opening in July, the center has already provided 240 meals weekly and is supporting 20 to 30 visitors each day. 

“Baltimore has one of the highest levels of need we’ve seen, and the community response to our services has been immediate,” said Courtney Ross-Escobar, an executive with the organization who is leading the Baltimore expansion efforts. 

“In just weeks, the Drop-In Center is serving hundreds of meals and connecting dozens of people each day to safety and support. This is a clear signal that Baltimore deserves—and urgently needs—more survivor-centered resources.” 

First debuting its services in Baltimore on Feb. 14, the nonprofit led street outreach and harm reduction initiatives, in addition to providing hygiene supplies in various West and South Baltimore neighborhoods.

SEI is collaborating with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, according to a release. The partnership will enable SEI to administer naloxone, a life-saving intervention, as in the organization’s overdose response efforts along with city leaders.

“Programming for people with lived experience in the sex trade must be specialized, because their realities, needs, and safety concerns are not always reflected in traditional sexual assault or domestic violence services,” Marcia Spencer, Care Coordinator at Harbor Baltimore drop-in center, said.

“While there may be overlap, umbrellaing these experiences under sexual assault and domestic violence can leave critical gaps in care. Tailored support ensures their voices, healing, and unique challenges are truly recognized.”