Human Trafficking Housing Assistance Program

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. Empower 225 will provide housing and supportive services to victims of human trafficking in Louisiana. The project will operate statewide, but will focus on Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans where the highest number of victims are identified. Empower 225 will target groups that are more vulnerable to trafficking such as youth and adults currently in or having had prior foster care or juvenile justice involvement, homeless and runaway adults and youth, adults and youth experiencing housing instability, the LGBTQ population, and Native American Indians. Empower 225 will provide housing in-house, through referrals, and through tenant-based apartments. The project will serve at least thirty trafficked victims each year in at least twenty housing units. Staff will train additional housing and service providers on trauma-informed care and indicators of trafficking. In addition to housing, supportive services will include: intensive case management, client intake and assessment, life skills, clothing, food, crisis intervention, documentation assistance, education, employment readiness and placement, family support and reunification, childcare, services for dependents, interpreter/translators, legal assistance, medical and dental care, mental health assessment and treatment, individual and group counseling, substance abuse treatment, victim advocacy, transportation, coordination with juvenile services and foster care, and trained forensic interviewers. CA/NCF