Housing, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Services for all Victims of Human Trafficking within Erie County

The purpose of the FY 2018 Specialized Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Program is to enhance the quality and quantity of specialized services available to assist victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended, by enhancing interagency collaboration and the coordinated community response to victims of human trafficking, and through the provision of high-quality, specialized services that address the individual needs to trafficking victims over a three year project period. Five priority areas of specialized services have been identified under this grant program: Housing Services; Economic and Leadership Empowerment and/or Education Services; Mental Health Services; Substance Abuse Services; and Legal Services.

International Institute of Buffalo will leverage various local, state, and federal resources for the provision of housing, mental health, and substance abuse services for all victims of all forms of trafficking identified through this initiative within Erie County in Western New York. In addition, the program will support efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking victims through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities. CA/NCF