In 2018 Council approved an ordinance which provided two years of continuation funding for 3 anti-human trafficking case managers to leverage the Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence's systems-level approach in meeting the need for comprehensive, victim-centered services including emergency shelter, intensive case management services, and referrals for healthcare and legal services.
Since our direct services program's inception in 2017 we served 301 confirmed and potential victims of human trafficking and provided 8,339 units of service. Because of our unique bridge to the shelter system, 77 unique clients also achieved longer-term housing. Victims served were diverse across gender, race, and age lines, and many had intersecting vulnerabilities, such as having experienced domestic violence and/or 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. Our work is especially urgent now because of COVID-19's financial impact on victims who are often unable to leave abusive relationships because of financial dependency. Case managers raised awareness of COVID-19 resources with our 48 active clients, assisted those responsive with benefits applications, and helped set up bank accounts and register with the IRS for stimulus checks, bringing in $53,436 in resources for 26 clients.
Council is now asked to approve an Ordinance authorizing a grant application for $139,844.37 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 1 additional year (grant period is October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 but not to exceed 5 years). The application does require, and this ordinance authorizes, the allocation of $102,299.65 as the City's cash match contribution.
Fiscal Note:
- Funding for this item is included in the FY21 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
- No Fiscal Note is required on grant items
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Minal Patel Davis
Director, Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence