Fighting Human Trafficking with SAFE-T

May 1, 2024 at 8:00am in Community, Headlines

Human trafficking is an issue that has continued to grow across the country.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 5,554 cases identified in 2015 with 12,011 victims. In 2021 the number of cases doubled to 10,360 with 16,710 victims. While the figures in Alaska are lower in comparison to more populated states, the number of cases identified by the NHTH have increased from 2015 to 2021.

In 2020, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation launched a plan to help battle this devastating trend.

Creating New Opportunities

In 2019, Madison was an intern in AHFC’s Planning department and a senior at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She was writing her final research paper on the topic of human trafficking while also working as a social worker.

“I already had an academic interest in researching human trafficking and looking at the data. I saw that by working at AHFC, I could apply what I was learning to create real programs that help people. It’s part of the reason I love working here.”

- Madison, Service Program Lead, Alaska Housing

During the internship, Madison and her mentor, Jennifer, learned about available funding through the Department of Justice. They researched the opportunity, put together a proposal and created the framework for a potential program that would provide safe housing to survivors of human trafficking.

When AHFC was awarded the federal funding, Madison got the chance to help build a new program from the ground up: Survivors Assistance for Escaping Trafficking (SAFE-T).

SAFE-T

Through SAFE-T, AHFC administers grant funds to Alaska nonprofits to provide emergency housing and supportive services to survivors of human trafficking. Currently SAFE-T has two pilot programs operated by subgrantees: The Interior Alaska Center for Nonviolent Living in Fairbanks and MyHouse in Mat-Su.

Now a Service Program Lead at AHFC and the SAFE-T program manager, Madison says that she sees the SAFE-T model as a way to disrupt the potential cycle of crises and emergency interventions.

“In this case, a person in crisis is placed in emergency housing and then receives a wide range of services by highly trained professionals who work specifically with trafficking survivors. Our partners help empower survivors with the tools they need to change their own circumstances. It can set them up for long term success.”

- Madison, Service Program Lead, Alaska Housing

How SAFE-T Works

SAFE-T program clients enter one of the two pilot programs through a referral, usually from an emergency shelter or law enforcement
Using program funds, the subgrantees provide the client with safe, emergency housing
Once the client is safely housed, they are provided with a range of services including medical, legal, vocational and mental health care provided by professionals who specialize in assisting trafficking survivors
The client moves into transitional housing and receives ongoing case management

Housing is Key

Research shows that housing plays a vital role in assisting trafficking victims. Polaris, a nonprofit committed to fighting human trafficking, surveyed survivors and reported that 64% indicated they were homeless or experiencing unstable housing at the time they were recruited into their trafficking situation. The survey noted that homelessness or unstable housing conditions make individuals more susceptible to trafficking.

Finding affordable housing for survivors is equally vital. A 2023 Polaris survey of survivors noted that 83% had experienced poverty at some point in their lives and 43% were making less than $25,000 annually after escaping their trafficking situation.

With housing key among the list of identified issues for trafficking survivors, Madison was invited to sit on the Data Subcommittee for the Alaska Governor’s Council on Human and Sex Trafficking in 2022.

“I was able to put the word out there about what we were doing through the SAFE-T program, and the public housing department presented an overview of all the resources and programs we offer,” Madison said. “I think it helped potential partners to understand what AHFC does and to see avenues to work together.”

“A connection isn’t always made between a housing authority and services for trafficking survivors, but housing is key and should be an important part of the conversation.” - Madison, Service Program Lead, Alaska Housing

National Recognition

In October 2023, AHFC received a National Council of State Housing Authorities Annual Award for Program Excellence for the SAFE-T program. At the time of the award, the program had provided services to 430 Alaskan survivors of human trafficking.

“I was very excited that this program got recognition,” Madison said. “Personally, I don’t know of similar programs through other housing authorities. I’m extremely proud of it.”

Of the survivors who have been moved into housing:

86% were homeless at the time of housing
80% had a disability
76% had survived domestic violence
52% were between the ages of 18-24, while 35% were between the ages of 25-59
90% were female

As the program continues to help Alaskans, AHFC and its partners are working to expand its capabilities. That includes developing a database that can track trafficking instances statewide, which can help provide better outcomes for survivors and identify opportunities for service needs.

“I wish we didn’t need this program, but since we do need it, I’m glad it exists,” Madison said. “People in Alaska are really willing to work together. The partnerships have been amazing to be part of.”

If you are in need of housing resources, we encourage you to contact Alaska 2-1-1. This free, confidential resource can help you to locate assistance in your home community. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221 or visit alaska211.org.