YMCA Intervention Services for Victims of Human Trafficking

The goal of the FY 2019 Direct Services to Support Victims of Human Trafficking Program is to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. Funding through this program supports direct services to victims of sex trafficking and labor trafficking, as well as for efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities over a three-year project period. This award made to YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities is funded under Sustaining Capacity to Provide Comprehensive Services which is designed to provide funding to experienced service providers to offer comprehensive services. The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities (YMCA) provides comprehensive gateway/reintegration services, 1:1 support, and life coaching for victims of trafficking, including youth involved in the foster care, homelessness, or juvenile justice systems, sexual exploitation/human trafficking, and/or experiencing extreme poverty In Northern Hennepin, Anoka, and Northern Ramsey Counties, Minnesota. YMCA provides crisis intervention for all victims of human trafficking regardless of age, referring victims over age 24 to Safe Harbor Minnesota network appropriate partners. YMCA Intervention Services (YIS). Services include education/employment services (Career Pathways/Career Navigation), Enough, and Girl's Circle H.E.A.R.T. (support groups for victims of trafficking), emergency services resources for food, clothing, basic needs etc. We staff a Resource Line 365 days/year; (115+ calls on average/month) and conduct street and school-based outreach to homeless youth across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, a region with 3.4+ million inhabitants. The YMCA also provides housing and homelessness prevention services, including: independent housing programs and services (e.g. scattered site rapid rehousing, Host Homes) for youth (up to age 24) and families, and homelessness prevention/diversion services (e.g. financial assistance, mediation, family reunification), housing assessment and navigation, and case management. CA/NCF