Pathfinders: Housing and Supportive Services for Youth Victims of Sex 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. Pathfinders Milwaukee, Inc. (“Pathfinders”), a non-profit organization serving youth ages 25 and under throughout Milwaukee County, WI, will implement a model of specialized transitional housing for youth survivors that will provide safe, stable housing and connections to supportive services that promote safety, stability, community connectivity, healing, and overall improved outcomes. The project will provide transitional housing to youth ages 18-25 who have experienced sex trafficking (and their minor children, if appropriate). The Housing First informed program will provide short-term housing assistance for youth survivors for 6-24 months. Youth participants will receive full rental assistance and other housing-related assistance (e.g. security deposits, utilities, moving costs) for the duration of their participation in the program. Pathfinders will be responsible for coordinating all housing and related payments, and will maintain master leases for up to 8 units at a time at scattered sites within its existing network of partner landlords in Milwaukee County. Through strong case management relationships and best practice youth engagement methods, Pathfinders will connect youth with voluntary supportive services that meet their needs. Youth survivors will have the opportunity to engage with supportive services both at Pathfinders and at partner service provider agencies around employment, health, well-being, and other community resources to grow survivors’ capacity for safe, healthy, and independent living. The project will serve at least 16 youth ages 18-25 (and their minor children, if appropriate). CA/NCF