Housing Programs
Having a safe, stable home is absolutely a basic need. Unfortunately, many survivors of sexual exploitation have experienced homelessness and struggle with housing instability. It is not uncommon for an abuser or trafficker to steal a victim’s identity, destroying their credit, and withhold the victim’s personal documents as a control tactic. Even after someone decides to leave the sex trade, issues such as steady income, criminal history, eviction history, poor credit or lack of credit, or missing personal documents can contribute to difficulties finding stable homes.
As survivors stabilize, they often move from emergency housing solutions like shelters into temporary housing situations, such as long-term recovery programs, and then into more permanent housing solutions—their own apartment or home.
At REST, we provide survivor-centered services through our low-barrier emergency shelter, the REST Houses (North and South), and housing assistance that supports finding permanent, safe, and stable housing—including financial support for deposits and rent.
REST House Programs
The REST Houses, North and South, are one-year transitional living programs, serving up to six adults at a time of all genders, ages 18 and older, from any human trafficking background (sex trafficking or labor trafficking). The REST House offers an independent, recovery-oriented, and safe environment. Though staff do not work on-site at the REST House, residents work with a housing specialist to prepare for a future transition into permanent housing, and they have access to all of REST’s services, including personal advocacy and intensive case management, employment services, and more. While income is not required to participate in the program, residents who do have income can contribute 30% of their monthly earnings to a fund that will be returned to them when they move out for a future deposit on their next safe and stable home.
In our last fiscal year, the REST Houses provided 1,736 nights of safe housing to 18 individuals.
Permanent Housing Assistance
We also provide permanent housing assistance to help clients gain permanent housing and increase long-term stability. We offer short-term and long-term options for housing financial assistance, which may include paying deposits, move-in costs, or subsidizing rent. Additionally, we assist with creating budgets, developing safety plans, and providing life skills coaching.