Four Western Washington organizations receive U.S. DOJ grants totaling more than $2 million to support victims of human trafficking

Seattle – U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran announced Department of Justice grants for four organizations in Western Washington who are working to rescue and support victims of human trafficking.  The organizations work with young people and one has a special focus on Native American victims.

“I’m pleased that the Seattle Indian Health Board received funding under DOJ’s Project Beacon – designed to increase services for Native Americans living in urban areas,” said U.S. Attorney Moran.  “As we work to address the problem of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, developing services and informing the community about the scourge of sex trafficking is critically important.”

The Seattle Indian Health Board received a $450,000 grant to build a referral network for sex trafficking victims, to educate the public and to train providers about culturally appropriate treatment for Native victims of sex trafficking.

YouthCare in Seattle received a $571,307 grant to support victims of human trafficking.   YouthCare works with homeless, street-involved and sexually exploited youth ages 12-24. These funds are to provide case management, training and coordination among a variety of organizations serving young people.

Real Escape from the Sex Trade in Seattle’s Rainier Valley will receive a $500,000 grant to launch the Economic Leadership and Empowerment Academy to provide training in a job readiness program.  The program will be designed specifically for victims of sex trafficking, providing internships and employment placement as well as monthly leadership development workshops.

In Everett, Cocoon House received a $500,000 grant.  The grant will expand services for Snohomish County trafficking victims under age 18.  The organization plans to add a Human Trafficking Advocate and Program Coordinator so that it can provide services to at least 100 trafficked or at-risk youth.

For additional information on individual grants, please contact the recipient organizations.