Off the Streets: A Transitional Housing Program for Victims of Human Trafficking

The goal of the FY 2020 Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking Program is to support housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout the United States, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. Funding through this solicitation supports programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing with support services to victims of human trafficking who are in need of housing as a result of human trafficking. Funding will be provided over a three-year project period. Cincinnati Union Bethel (CUB) is working at the intersection of substance use and human trafficking in Hamilton County, OH. Through its program, Off the Streets (OTS), CUB collaborates with the local justice system, healthcare providers, and nonprofits to provide addiction recovery services to roughly 100 survivors of sex trafficking each year. Participants reside at CUB’s emergency shelter, where they receive on-site treatment and case management. Unfortunately, without access to a transitional housing option to support gradual recovery, participants face high risks of relapse and revictimization when they exit the program. Under this project, CUB will reduce relapse and revictimization among participants by providing a systematic pathway to permanent housing. CUB will enhance OTS to include a transitional housing component that offers: (1) 16 program-owned transitional housing units; and (2) Linkages to off-site transitional housing through short-term housing assistance. CUB will reach 56 victims through this program. Participants will benefit from voluntary evidence-based support services, including individual/group therapy, case management, and referral services. CUB’s goal is to help survivors find sobriety; achieve gainful employment; and secure independent, permanent housing. CA/NCF