Abstract
Street-level sex workers in Sacramento face many barriers and challenges that have lead to a lack of appropriate and adequate resources and services. A needs assessment was conducted using interviews from twenty-one (21) street-level sex workers. Major findings for this study include the lack of resources and services to meet their most basic needs such as housing, health care and food assistance. High amount of drug abuse and violence were among other findings. Violence occurs at such a high frequency, that the women normalize and accept the abuse as part of life. The results of the needs assessment is used to refine the Community Against Sexual Harm (C.A.S.H.) program. C.A.S.H. provides services and resources to sex workers in order to improve their well-being and help the women transition into a healthier lifestyle. Three program planning and evaluation worksheets for the program are developed based on the need assessment
findings.