by Kim Merrikin
Food is one of the most basic human needs, and hunger is a powerful motivator.
Extreme poverty is a common theme in many survivors’ stories, and extreme poverty often comes with a lack of basic needs such as food, a safe place to live, and other basic necessities. When a victim of sexual exploitation resorts to trading sex to meet basic needs, it’s called survival sex.
Over the 12+ years that REST has been in operation, we’ve heard innumerable stories from survivors who have engaged in survival sex just to meet their basic needs. In fact, in our 2021 Annual Report, we shared the stories of four courageous survivors—all of them experienced poverty and housing insecurity, and three of them specifically spoke about food insecurity when they shared their stories.
“I just want a home and feel safe there. I want to have food when I want to eat and feel nurtured and loved.” - Angelica, Survivor
Angelica entered adulthood homeless, hungry, and without a support system—and turned to stripping to make ends meet. Over time and through the toxic relationships she was introduced to in that environment, she was trafficked.
R grew up in extreme poverty and was subjected to physical and sexual abuse at home, and bullying at school. At 11 years old, she turned to an online community to find belonging, but that community quickly became toxic, and members would pay her to perform sex acts online. She didn’t like it—but she did it because she knew it put food on the table for her family.
Sincere also grew up in extreme poverty and felt as if he had had no option but to turn to trading sex to make ends meet—including putting food on the table.
Often when survivors have made the decision to leave the sex trade, it is the lack of basic needs that keep survivors trapped. When faced with hunger or a night on the streets, they turn to what they know—survival sex. And the cycle of wanting to get out—but getting drawn back in to have food or a safe place to stay—can produce hopelessness. For those trapped in this cycle, it can be extremely difficult to connect to services like SNAP, WIC, or even find a food bank without help navigating those systems.
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” - Mother Teresa
We have an opportunity to disrupt the cycle of hopelessness by meeting basic needs while providing supportive services.
With the help of supporters, we can provide food, clothing, basic hygiene supplies, and housing resources to survivors. All of our programs and services have elements that meet basic physical needs while connecting through relationships.
Our Outreach Team goes out to the places in Seattle known for street-based sexual exploitation and meets survivors where they’re at. They serve snacks and drinks and provide gift bags with hygiene items.
Our Pathways Services Center provides a safe place for survivors to rest as well as get snacks, hot meals, and the opportunity to “shop” our Resource Closet full of clothing and hygiene products. Guests can also connect to other services in this space.
Our Community Advocates are able to walk alongside survivors, helping them connect to resources and services. When clients are struggling with food insecurity, Advocates can provide grocery gift cards or deliver groceries directly to them.
When survivors stay at our Emergency Receiving Shelter or in our REST House program, basic needs such as shelter, food, and hygiene items are provided for.
This week, we’re focusing specifically on meeting food needs for local survivors through our upcoming event REST Sip & Savor. Attendees will get to enjoy a social evening out featuring local food, drinks, and entertainment from singer/songwriter Austin Ellis while raising funds and participating in a food drive to meet the needs of survivors in our community who are facing food insecurity.
Together, we can provide a tangible expression of love through meeting basic needs.