Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking: SASC Thanks Seeds of Hope, Hoyes Michalos and Libro Credit Union

​Our Centre's Anti-Human Trafficking Program provides wrap-around services to those experiencing sexual exploitation and those at risk within Waterloo Region.  This Fall, a transformational partnership with Hoyes Michalos and Seeds of Hope supported our Anti-Human Trafficking Program, along with a wonderful grant from Libro Credit Union. Read on for details!

Hoyes Michalos House
In partnership with Seeds of Hope Foundation and Hoyes Michalos, SASC’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program is proud to announce the opening of a third-stage housing service.

For those who are unaware, a third stage housing service refers to safe and affordable transitional housing for survivors of sexual exploitation who are in a position to learn to live independently after having successfully exited from sexual exploitation and are no longer connected to their exploiters.

Hoyes Michalos House offers two survivors at a time an opportunity to work towards addressing their trauma and achieving long-term goals related to their education and employment. Although Hoyes Michalos House is just one solution to the larger issue of affordable housing in our Region, here is what survivors had to say:

"It’s nice having a place where I can feel safe and comfortable.” 
– Resident
 
“This housing program has been the fresh start that my daughter needed. It has given her confidence, security, and a safe place where she can continue to heal and grow.

I am beyond grateful that she was chosen for this program. It has taken away a lot of my stress and worry. It feels like a weight has been lifted because I know she will be comfortable and safe as she begins her journey without me.

I think this program is invaluable and needed more than ever. There are so many individuals who would benefit and I believe it could be life-changing. 

I really can't thank everyone enough for this much-needed support!”
- Parent of a Survivor

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Libro Credit Union Annual Grant

Through its annual grant program, Libro Credit Union funds initiatives that help address local priorities aligned with their four pillars, including:

• Financial resilience
• Employment
• Local food accessibility
• Housing across southwestern Ontario

This year, our Anti-Human Trafficking Program was proud to be one of 25 organizations across Southern Ontario selected as a grant recipient. In total, this program will receive $24,000 for our Flexible Housing Prosperity Fund.
 
This fund will support survivors of human trafficking and/or sexual exploitation regarding housing prosperity and stabilization. The flexibility of this fund will provide the ability to meet the differing needs of each person and enable them to obtain and maintain safer housing, thus increasing their independence in the long term.