WEST PALM BEACH, FL — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach is strengthening its support for survivors of human trafficking through a renewed partnership with The Salvation Army Palm Beach Area Command, providing safe and stable transitional housing as individuals work toward long-term independence.
Through a formal agreement between the two organizations, participants in Catholic Charities’ Bakhita Empowerment Program who have experienced human trafficking can access transitional housing through The Salvation Army. The partnership is designed to compliment Catholic Charities’ comprehensive case management and supportive services with a safe, stable place to live. The agreement provides for housing for eligible participants in an undisclosed location.
Catholic Charities staff provide individualized case management, including connecting survivors with appropriate services, assisting with housing and program goals, and supporting participants as they work toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. The Salvation Army provides the housing environment and ongoing support to help participants establish a foundation for rebuilding their lives. The organizations also coordinate to promote participant safety and address needs that may arise during the housing period.
The partnership is part of Catholic Charities’ Bakhita Empowerment Program, which provides crisis support, long-term case management and housing services to victims of human trafficking. The program is supported through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. The Salvation Army is a subrecipient of this grant award through a reimbursement based process as each client is housed.
“Safe and stable housing is an essential part of helping survivors move from crisis toward independence,” said Ellen T. Wayne, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach. “We are grateful to The Salvation Army for partnering with us to create an environment where survivors can focus on healing, stability and building a brighter future.”
The collaboration also emphasizes coordinated training and communication between the organizations. The agreement calls for Salvation Army personnel involved in providing services to receive training related to human trafficking and to work collaboratively with Catholic Charities staff in serving program participants.
Together, Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army are helping ensure that survivors of human trafficking have access not only to immediate assistance, but also to the stability, support and resources needed to move forward with their lives.
