Latest news with #SafeHouseProject
Business Upturn
30-05-2025
- Business Upturn
Nationwide Coalition Unites in 'Operation Coast to Coast' to Combat Human Trafficking
By GlobeNewswire Published on May 30, 2025, 21:54 IST Des Moines, Iowa, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Operation 'Coast to Coast', a coalition of over 150 law enforcement agencies and organizations including the Human Trafficking Training Center , Safe House Project , Our Rescue , the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery , Street Grace , Flock Safety , Delta Air Lines , and Code Four , is proud to announce a multi-state trafficking operation that recovered 70 individuals being trafficked, thus far. The 24-hour operation occurred across 19 states on May 29th and also resulted in 46 human trafficking suspects being arrested. More data on the operation is expected to be released over the upcoming days. Operation Coast to Coast began in 2024 as an initiative of the Human Trafficking Training Center and other organizations to spur a nationwide response to trafficking. 'Conducting proactive human trafficking operations can be positive and help identify victims and arrest traffickers. This group of states and agencies from across America have come together during Operation Coast to Coast, obtained proper training and participated in this nationwide operation to help victims, arrest traffickers and make their communities safer,' said Dan Nash, founder of the Human Trafficking Training Center and a former human trafficking investigator. 'As more and more agencies obtain proper training, this number will grow and make trafficking inhospitable in America.' This year, the focus of Operation Coast to Coast was Illegal Massage Businesses (IMBs) , a subset of the human trafficking industry that use the cover of a legitimate business to conduct trafficking, often tied to transnational crime. There are an estimated 7,500-9,000 IMBs in the U.S., creating a network that Street Grace estimates is the country's second-largest pipeline for human trafficking. During the Operation, law enforcement identified and entered at least 26 IMBs in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska and Vermont. The Operation also resulted in the recovery of at least $700,000 in the following days, the organizations involved in Operation Coast to Coast will provide the recovered victims with much-needed services, including food, lodging, medical services, drug rehabilitation, counseling/therapy and childcare. 'The critical window immediately following a trafficking victim's escape determines their future — without immediate access to safe, trauma-informed care, 80% of survivors face re-exploitation,' said Kristi Wells, CEO and Co-Founder of Safe House Project. 'Safe House Project is honored to partner with law enforcement in Operation Coast to Coast, offering immediate support and safe home placement for every individual identified during these operations. When law enforcement intervention is coupled with comprehensive trauma-informed support, we create a pathway to genuine freedom. This collaborative approach ensures that survivors receive the hope, healing, and future they deserve, while holding traffickers and buyers accountable for their crimes.' Several of the law enforcement agencies involved in the Operation used the TraffickStop public safety data platform, a joint initiative of Code Four and Flock Safety. TraffickStop, which utilizes Flock Safety's Nova platform , allows investigators to aggregate, visualize, and analyze data on suspected human trafficking groups and suspects, accelerating complex cases. 'Flock Safety's mission is centered around helping communities become safer together, and Operation Coast to Coast embodies the spirit of this work,' said Garrett Langley, Co-Founder and CEO of Flock Safety. 'Earlier this year we crossed the milestone of helping recover over 1,000 missing persons around the country, and we are incredibly proud that our technology played a role in Operation Coast to Coast to help investigate some of the most heinous trafficking cases. We look forward to seeing our technology continue to play a role in critical public safety operations like this.' 'TraffickStop, in collaboration with Flock Safety, is proud to provide investigators with the actionable intelligence they need to strengthen cases and hold traffickers accountable,' said Andrew Romero, Founder of Code Four Development. 'As a retired organized crime detective, I've seen how real-time intelligence accelerates enforcement actions to dismantle criminal networks. We remain committed to equipping those on the front lines with the insights to move swiftly — and compassionately — against this crime.'Human trafficking continues to be an issue across America. If you suspect human trafficking in your area, please call 911 or your state human trafficking hotline.'We've seen that when victims escape human trafficking situations — also known as modern slavery — it is absolutely critical that they receive care right away,' said Dave McCleary, Global Chair of the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (Rotary International). 'This group of stakeholders from the public and private sector has come together to ensure that wherever these victims are, we are able to help them begin the healing journey toward a new life.''Human trafficking is a problem that cannot be solved alone. Our Rescue is honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement, nonprofits, and private industry — because only together can we end human trafficking,' said Nate Davis, VP of Mission, North America, Our Rescue. For more information on Operation 'Coast to Coast' please contact Dan Nash: [email protected]. For more information on the TraffickStop platform, please contact Andrew Romero: [email protected]. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nationwide Coalition Unites in 'Operation Coast to Coast' to Combat Human Trafficking
Joint effort by law enforcement, non-profits, and corporations leads to recovery of 70 victims and 46 arrests across 19 states, with a focus on illegal massage businesses. Des Moines, Iowa, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Operation 'Coast to Coast', a coalition of over 150 law enforcement agencies and organizations including the Human Trafficking Training Center, Safe House Project, Our Rescue, the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, Street Grace, Flock Safety, Delta Air Lines, and Code Four, is proud to announce a multi-state trafficking operation that recovered 70 individuals being trafficked, thus far. The 24-hour operation occurred across 19 states on May 29th and also resulted in 46 human trafficking suspects being arrested. More data on the operation is expected to be released over the upcoming days. Operation Coast to Coast began in 2024 as an initiative of the Human Trafficking Training Center and other organizations to spur a nationwide response to trafficking. 'Conducting proactive human trafficking operations can be positive and help identify victims and arrest traffickers. This group of states and agencies from across America have come together during Operation Coast to Coast, obtained proper training and participated in this nationwide operation to help victims, arrest traffickers and make their communities safer,' said Dan Nash, founder of the Human Trafficking Training Center and a former human trafficking investigator. 'As more and more agencies obtain proper training, this number will grow and make trafficking inhospitable in America.' This year, the focus of Operation Coast to Coast was Illegal Massage Businesses (IMBs), a subset of the human trafficking industry that use the cover of a legitimate business to conduct trafficking, often tied to transnational crime. There are an estimated 7,500-9,000 IMBs in the U.S., creating a network that Street Grace estimates is the country's second-largest pipeline for human the Operation, law enforcement identified and entered at least 26 IMBs in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska and Vermont. The Operation also resulted in the recovery of at least $700,000 in the following days, the organizations involved in Operation Coast to Coast will provide the recovered victims with much-needed services, including food, lodging, medical services, drug rehabilitation, counseling/therapy and childcare. "The critical window immediately following a trafficking victim's escape determines their future — without immediate access to safe, trauma-informed care, 80% of survivors face re-exploitation," said Kristi Wells, CEO and Co-Founder of Safe House Project. "Safe House Project is honored to partner with law enforcement in Operation Coast to Coast, offering immediate support and safe home placement for every individual identified during these operations. When law enforcement intervention is coupled with comprehensive trauma-informed support, we create a pathway to genuine freedom. This collaborative approach ensures that survivors receive the hope, healing, and future they deserve, while holding traffickers and buyers accountable for their crimes."Several of the law enforcement agencies involved in the Operation used the TraffickStop public safety data platform, a joint initiative of Code Four and Flock Safety. TraffickStop, which utilizes Flock Safety's Nova platform, allows investigators to aggregate, visualize, and analyze data on suspected human trafficking groups and suspects, accelerating complex cases.'Flock Safety's mission is centered around helping communities become safer together, and Operation Coast to Coast embodies the spirit of this work,' said Garrett Langley, Co-Founder and CEO of Flock Safety. 'Earlier this year we crossed the milestone of helping recover over 1,000 missing persons around the country, and we are incredibly proud that our technology played a role in Operation Coast to Coast to help investigate some of the most heinous trafficking cases. We look forward to seeing our technology continue to play a role in critical public safety operations like this.' 'TraffickStop, in collaboration with Flock Safety, is proud to provide investigators with the actionable intelligence they need to strengthen cases and hold traffickers accountable,' said Andrew Romero, Founder of Code Four Development. 'As a retired organized crime detective, I've seen how real-time intelligence accelerates enforcement actions to dismantle criminal networks. We remain committed to equipping those on the front lines with the insights to move swiftly — and compassionately — against this crime.'Human trafficking continues to be an issue across America. If you suspect human trafficking in your area, please call 911 or your state human trafficking hotline.'We've seen that when victims escape human trafficking situations — also known as modern slavery — it is absolutely critical that they receive care right away,' said Dave McCleary, Global Chair of the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (Rotary International). 'This group of stakeholders from the public and private sector has come together to ensure that wherever these victims are, we are able to help them begin the healing journey toward a new life.'"Human trafficking is a problem that cannot be solved alone. Our Rescue is honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement, nonprofits, and private industry — because only together can we end human trafficking,' said Nate Davis, VP of Mission, North America, Our more information on Operation 'Coast to Coast' please contact Dan Nash: dan@ For more information on the TraffickStop platform, please contact Andrew Romero: andrew@ CONTACT: Holly Beilin Flock Safety +1 (404) 476-6599 holly@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Human trafficking is everywhere. This new app makes reporting it quicker and easier
A new, first-of-its-kind app is now operating nationwide, empowering everyone to safely and anonymously report possible instances of human trafficking. This may involve either commercial, coerced sex or forced labor. Earlier this month, Safe House Project, Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and other advocates announced the national launch of Simply Report. The free mobile app allows downloaders to submit tips through its chat, which will provide guidance and share the information with the most appropriate law enforcement agency, if necessary. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The actual number of human trafficking instances is hard to pin down. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families' annual report, however, it received 2,137 reports of human trafficking in the 2023-24 year. Nearly 83% involved children reportedly living with a parent or other caregiver. 148 of all the reports came out of Duval County. In addition to reporting resources, the app also offers 24/7 support services for survivors in need. 'Simply Report protects survivors' anonymity and safety by ensuring that no information is shared with law enforcement without the survivor's expressed consent. Simply Report is trauma-informed and survivor-led,' said Safe House Project Here is how you can download the app:Apple,Google Play You can also reach out to Florida law enforcement directly by calling the human trafficking hotline at 1-855-FLA-SAFE. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Lost all credibility': Nonprofit CEO delivers demand to Trump HHS amid 'failed' human trafficking hotline
A group of anti-human trafficking advocates called "Safe House Project" is urging the Trump administration and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The hotline, which is run by HHS, was started in 2007 to provide 24/7 help for victims of human trafficking. According to Safe House Project, which offers victims a range of services, including a network of shelters, the hotline has "lost all credibility" and simply does not accomplish the goal of ending human trafficking. Human Trafficking Victim Recounts Horrors Of Life At The Mercy Of Criminals After Kennedy cleared a committee vote on Tuesday, bringing him one step closer to confirmation, the nonprofit released a statement celebrating the step, saying that "our nation is in dire need of leadership that will restore it [the hotline] to fulfill its purpose of identifying victims of trafficking, supporting victims escaping from their traffickers, and helping bring swift justice to those who abuse and victimize desperate and vulnerable populations." In line with the Department of Government Efficiency's mission to slash government waste, Safe House Project says HHS can reform the hotline to conserve its tax-dollar funding and save more lives at the same time. Read On The Fox News App "The American taxpayers funded the National Human trafficking hotline, and the reality is it has failed," Safe House Project CEO Kristi Wells told Fox News Digital. Wells claimed that people who call the hotline often have to wait upwards of 45 minutes, resulting in many people hanging up before even reporting a human trafficking incident. She also said that in many instances, hotline staff fail to return calls or to share tips with law enforcement. Doge Targets Medicare Agency, Looking For Fraud If he is confirmed by the Senate, Wells said Kennedy will have a "phenomenal opportunity" to save thousands of lives by moving quickly to increase the efficiency of the hotline. "The National Human Trafficking Hotline, again, has the potential to save thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of lives," she continued. "And so, [since] the Department of Health and Human Services is the one that oversees the effectiveness of the hotline, it's really important that the current administration prioritizes and really holds the current hotline accountable and making sure that the services are operating the way that they need to be operating." In place of the current hotline, Wells is urging HHS to leverage modern technology – such as cellphone apps and AI – to create a new system that is "fast, actionable and easy to use." After conducting extensive research with law enforcement entities and related NGOs, Wells said she believes a new system could be created using modern technology that would make the tax dollars being spent by the government on this go much further and accomplish more. Biden Border Crisis Leading To Increase In Human Trafficking, Former Dhs Officials Warn "When you're leveraging technology, you are really creating efficiencies of scale and really increasing scale," she said. "And so, I don't believe that this is a solution that would cost the government more money. I think it would allow them to use the dollars that are currently being spent on a national hotline more effectively and see more effective results." Wells said the Trump administration "has already shown an encouraging willingness to tackle human trafficking," but noted, "We want to do our part to make sure that this is a top priority for them and make sure that correct actions are taken to bring victims out of the shadows, to increase reporting and to increase law enforcement and prosecution of traffickers and buyers." "Human trafficking is happening all around us and we as community members have the opportunity to identify and respond to human trafficking and a new tool is really vital to us making sure that that happens," she continued. "Whenever we have proper reporting mechanisms and we are 'seeing something and saying something,' then this idea that human trafficking is undercover and goes undetected is no longer the reality." "The reality is we'll be able to see it more and when we start seeing it more, we're able to empower our lawmakers with more effective data to create more effective policies. And so, I am excited about the trajectory that a more robust reporting mechanism can bring to the objective of eradicating trafficking in America."Original article source: 'Lost all credibility': Nonprofit CEO delivers demand to Trump HHS amid 'failed' human trafficking hotline
Fox News
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
'Lost all credibility': Nonprofit CEO delivers demand to Trump HHS amid 'failed' human trafficking hotline
A group of anti-human trafficking advocates called "Safe House Project" is urging the Trump administration and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The hotline, which is run by HHS, was started in 2007 to provide 24/7 help for victims of human trafficking. According to Safe House Project, which offers victims a range of services, including a network of shelters, the hotline has "lost all credibility" and simply does not accomplish the goal of ending human trafficking. After Kennedy cleared a committee vote on Tuesday, bringing him one step closer to confirmation, the nonprofit released a statement celebrating the step, saying that "our nation is in dire need of leadership that will restore it [the hotline] to fulfill its purpose of identifying victims of trafficking, supporting victims escaping from their traffickers, and helping bring swift justice to those who abuse and victimize desperate and vulnerable populations." In line with the Department of Government Efficiency's mission to slash government waste, Safe House Project says HHS can reform the hotline to conserve its tax-dollar funding and save more lives at the same time. "The American taxpayers funded the National Human trafficking hotline, and the reality is it has failed," Safe House Project CEO Kristi Wells told Fox News Digital. Wells claimed that people who call the hotline often have to wait upwards of 45 minutes, resulting in many people hanging up before even reporting a human trafficking incident. She also said that in many instances, hotline staff fail to return calls or to share tips with law enforcement. If he is confirmed by the Senate, Wells said Kennedy will have a "phenomenal opportunity" to save thousands of lives by moving quickly to increase the efficiency of the hotline. "The National Human Trafficking Hotline, again, has the potential to save thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of lives," she continued. "And so, [since] the Department of Health and Human Services is the one that oversees the effectiveness of the hotline, it's really important that the current administration prioritizes and really holds the current hotline accountable and making sure that the services are operating the way that they need to be operating." In place of the current hotline, Wells is urging HHS to leverage modern technology – such as cellphone apps and AI – to create a new system that is "fast, actionable and easy to use." After conducting extensive research with law enforcement entities and related NGOs, Wells said she believes a new system could be created using modern technology that would make the tax dollars being spent by the government on this go much further and accomplish more. "When you're leveraging technology, you are really creating efficiencies of scale and really increasing scale," she said. "And so, I don't believe that this is a solution that would cost the government more money. I think it would allow them to use the dollars that are currently being spent on a national hotline more effectively and see more effective results." Wells said the Trump administration "has already shown an encouraging willingness to tackle human trafficking," but noted, "We want to do our part to make sure that this is a top priority for them and make sure that correct actions are taken to bring victims out of the shadows, to increase reporting and to increase law enforcement and prosecution of traffickers and buyers." "Human trafficking is happening all around us and we as community members have the opportunity to identify and respond to human trafficking and a new tool is really vital to us making sure that that happens," she continued. "Whenever we have proper reporting mechanisms and we are 'seeing something and saying something,' then this idea that human trafficking is undercover and goes undetected is no longer the reality." "The reality is we'll be able to see it more and when we start seeing it more, we're able to empower our lawmakers with more effective data to create more effective policies. And so, I am excited about the trajectory that a more robust reporting mechanism can bring to the objective of eradicating trafficking in America."
