In 2017 Council approved a resolution which funded 3 anti-human trafficking case managers for one year to initiate a systems-level approach to meet the need for comprehensive, victim-centered services including emergency shelter, intensive case management services, and referrals for healthcare and legal services.
Some of the successes of the program include having served 122 victims of sex and labor trafficking in one year’s time. Victims served were diverse across gender, race, and age lines, and many had intersecting vulnerabilities, such as having experienced homelessness. Because of our program, case managers were able to rehabilitate victims by providing advocacy and accompaniment, offering emotional support and safety services such as crisis intervention, connecting victims with shelter and housing services, and making referrals.
During the 4th program quarter alone (July to September 2018), a total of 25 victims received shelter and other housing support; 53 took advantage of various kinds of emotional support ranging from individual counseling to support groups; and 44 were supported with case management advocacy such as through transportation assistance. Many victims received several different kinds of services across these different case management areas.
Council is now asked to approve an Ordinance authorizing a grant application to the Office of the Governor of Texas for the General Victim Assistance – Direct Services Program by the City of Houston Mayor’s Office to fund the program for 2 additional years (grant period is October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020 but not to exceed 5 years). The application does require, and this ordinance authorizes, the allocation of $73,602.30 as the City’s cash match contribution.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY19 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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Minal Patel Davis
Special Advisor to the Mayor on Human Trafficking