Housing for the Most Vulnerable

Affordable housing and homelessness

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Our understanding of the issue we are seeking to address is the unique challenges faced by survivors of human trafficking, particularly those who are homeless, pregnant, or have small children. Survivors and ongoing victims of human trafficking are by definition "housing unstable", and designated across several criteria as homeless by HUD's definition. These individuals are in vulnerable situations, having escaped from abusive environments and are in need of specialized support to overcome the traumas they have endured. Cherished is working to provide these survivors with the necessary resources, including housing and healing programs, tailored to their specific needs. By opening beds and homes specifically designed for this demographic, we aim to offer a safe and supportive environment where they can rebuild their lives and work towards healing and recovery.

The program and initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to survivors of human trafficking who are homeless, pregnant, or have small children. The program, led by Cherished, seeks to establish specialized accommodations and shelters specifically tailored to meet the needs of this vulnerable group. These facilities will offer a safe and supportive environment where survivors can access housing, healing programs, and resources to help them overcome the traumas of exploitation and navigate the impacts of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD).
By opening beds and homes specifically for survivors who are pregnant or have children, the initiative aims to address the barriers that prevent these individuals from accessing the support they need. Through this program, Cherished seeks to empower survivors with the tools and resources necessary to rebuild their lives, heal from their past experiences, and ultimately move towards a brighter and more stable future.

If successful, Cherished's program for human trafficking survivors in Los Angeles County could lead to:
Increased support for homeless, pregnant, and child-carrying survivors. Survivors of human trafficking who are homeless, pregnant, or have small children will have access to specialized accommodations and shelters designed to meet their unique needs. This could lead to a significant increase in the support available to these vulnerable populations in Los Angeles County. Improved healing and recovery, enhanced empowerment and resilience and heightened community awareness and support against human trafficking. This increased awareness may lead to a reduction in homelessness and increase greater community support for initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.

Cherished has been assisting survivors of human trafficking for 14 years, focusing on individuals aged 18 and above. Our services include outreach, transitional housing, trauma care, and job training. To cater to homeless, pregnant, and child-carrying survivors of human trafficking, it is necessary to provide separate accommodations. Success can be measured by using key performance indicator (KPI) tracking 1. the number accessing the new facilities, 2. the percentage transitioning to stable housing, 3. monitoring trauma recovery progress, 4. job training outcomes, and 5. gathering feedback for improvement.