Giving Compass' Take:

• The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless shares important data and information about the relationship between prostitution and homelessness that funders can use to guide effective giving. 

• How can you leverage your resources to address these issues together? What partnerships could help you make the most impact? 

• Learn more about working to end homelessness.

  • 84 percent of those prostituted report current or past homelessness
  • 50,000 people are prostituted in the city of Chicago at any given time, almost all of whom are homeless.
  • 95-99 percent of those prostituted have chemical dependency issues
  • 66 percent of those prostituted suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder
  • 14 is the average age of entry into prostitution
  • 90 percent of those prostituted are survivors of sexual violence such as incest and sexual assault
Barriers to Escaping the System

Exploitation and Sexual Slavery Prostitution is a highly organized and lucrative international business. Many women and youth involved in prostitution have been forced into a system of sexual slavery for someone else’s commercial benefit—they are often physically, materially and emotionally prevented from escaping.

Trauma, Abuse and Physical Health The exploitation and violence inherent in prostitution often results in severe physical, emotional and psychological trauma with long-term effects.

Chemical Dependency In order to cope with past or current sexual violence in their lives, many prostituted women and youth use drugs or alcohol; and those already addicted may be coerced into prostitution by pimps and johns in exchange for drugs. Eventually some may trade sex for drugs on their own to satisfy their addictions.

Criminalization Many women are incarcerated on prostitution-related charges, including charges for drug possession and usage. Upon release, many of these women do not have a stable place of their own or the support needed to achieve self-sufficiency, and are often prostituted again.