Transitional Housing Assistance and Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in Southeastern Kentucky

The Kentucky Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) will collaborate with Refuge for Women (“Refuge”) to provide transitional housing and short-term housing assistance, along with supportive services, to victims of human trafficking located in persistent poverty counties in Southeastern Kentucky.  Specifically, this program will serve Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Whitley Counties—all of which are located in Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District, the most rural and second poorest Congressional District in the nation.    The “Housing Hope Project: Southeastern Kentucky Human Trafficking Transitional Housing Assistance” (“Project”) is a survivor-centered program, offering transitional housing, short-term housing assistance and supportive services for 6-24 months. Thirty-four participants will be served annually over the 36 month period.  Participants will be identified through self-referrals and referrals from prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ advocates.  The program will be aimed at serving people who otherwise may not receive assistance.     This proposal also includes plans to develop a resource database to assist the Project and community providers in offering cohesive and coordinated services.  The database will additionally allow OAG, Refuge, and community partners to identify and address gaps in services.