Emergency drop-in center to be built for survivors of exploitation and trafficking
Emergency drop-in center to be built for survivors of exploitation and trafficking
The newly remodeled center will be an entry point where survivors of trafficking can rest, get one-on-one counseling and meet peers going through the same situation.
Author: Cody Huffman
AUSTIN, Texas — Taylor Morrison, a leading national homebuilder and developer, has partnered with HomeAid, a provider of housing and resources for the homeless, to build a new emergency drop-in center for victims of sex trafficking and exploitation.
SAFE (Stop Abuse for Everyone) has served the community for approximately 17 hours a week, but with this new center, they will be able to help local survivors by providing 40 to 50 hours of service each week.
"This will be a positive space where survivors can seek out help, learn about the services SAFE offers and receive vital counseling," said April Whitakers, president of Taylor Morrison's Austin division.
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As Taylor Morrison's charity of choice, HomeAid's mission is to rebuild lives for others through housing and community outreach.
"We are grateful to Taylor Morrison for their leadership on our first renovation. There is no shortage of need, and we look forward to serving many more homeless care providers in the greater Austin area for years to come,” said Executive Director for HomeAid Austin Melissa Nicewarner.
SAFE's mission is to end sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse and domestic violence through prevention, intervention and advocacy for change. The SAFE Alliance is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both long-standing and respected human service agencies in Austin.
About 79,000 minors and youth are victims of sex trafficking in Texas.
