Did you know that men, women and children are being bought and sold…right in front of us? We’re talking about the modern-day equivalent of slavery: Human Trafficking.
From Asia and Europe, from the Middle East and the Americas and Africa, almost a million people are caught in trafficking around the world, mostly women and children. An estimated 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked annually into the United States alone, not to mention an estimated 300,000 American children at-risk for domestic trafficking (trafficked within our own borders). These victims of modern-day slavery are being forced to live under oppression in the underground sex industry and labor market, and it is happening in the towns and cities where we live – it is happening where we minister. North Carolina ranks as the 8th most likely state in the United States where human trafficking takes place.
OK, what do we do? At VNC we are supporting the Hope House Mission in Asheville NC. The mission of Hope House is to provide a place of seclusion, restoration, and healing for domestic victims of sex trafficking. They offer a long term shelter option for minor victims ages 12-17 and a a transitional living program for victims ages 18 – 25.
“In the United States there is a serious lack of safe shelter for women and girls who have been victims of this brutal offense, and who have very specialized needs for restoration of body, mind, and soul. Hope House will be a pinpoint of light in this dark situation and Shared Hope International is anxious to see them succeed.” Nancy Winston, National Awareness, Member Board of Directors, Shared Hope International.