Passageways Housing Program

The goal of the FY 2020 Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking Program is to support housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout the United States, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. Funding through this solicitation supports programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing with support services to victims of human trafficking who are in need of housing as a result of human trafficking. Funding will be provided over a three-year project period. Under this project, The Link will expand housing opportunities for young people that have experienced sex trafficking through a new scattered site transitional housing component that will provide youth with the safety, resources and the supportive services needed to gain long-term stability. This expansion of The Link’s current housing program and will add 5 scattered site transitional housing beds for youth in the Twin Cities Metro Area which is made up of 7 Counties including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties. The overarching goal of The Link’s Passageways Program is to provide a safe place for youth who are trafficked to heal from the trauma and build their protective factors to ensure that they can transition into a healthy and stable future that is free from exploitation. The intent is to increase young people’s connections to school and employment, enhance social and emotional wellbeing, self-sufficiency, and help them build permanent connections with families, communities, schools, and other positive social networks. The programs utilize a Youth Centered Service Model based upon Evidence Based Practices such as Positive Youth Development and Trauma Informed Care. While in the program, youth participate in specialized services specific to the trauma of sex trafficking that allow the young person to make informed decisions about their future. CA/NCF