Funding Shortfalls Threaten Support Services for Human Trafficking Survivors in the US
More than 100 organizations supporting survivors of human trafficking have lost critical funding since October, leaving thousands of victims at increased risk. Despite nearly $90 million appropriated by Congress to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support victims, funds have not been allocated three months into the new fiscal year.
Advocates warn that this funding gap is undermining law enforcement efforts and elevating risks of homelessness, deportation, incarceration, and re-exploitation for survivors. A Guardian investigation has linked these gaps to a broader pattern of reduced anti-trafficking efforts dating back to the Trump administration.
One affected organization, Life Link in Albuquerque, saw two DOJ grants totaling $1.75 million expire on September 30. As a result, housing for survivors there is now limited to 20–30 people for up to six months, and staff have been cut from 11 to 5. Other impacted programs include Street Grace, YWCA Kalamazoo, and the Reformed Church of Highland Park Affordable Housing Corporation in New Jersey, which have had to turn away dozens of survivors and manage evictions or shelter placements.
Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Gary Peters (D-MI) have criticized the situation, characterizing it as a diversion or withholding of congressionally approved funds that should be restored. The DOJ stated it would begin the public process to make the money available in the coming weeks, reiterating a stance previously issued in September.
In October, 74 legal, religious, and advocacy groups issued a warning that defunding would leave entire regions without their sole service providers, depriving survivors of essential housing, case management, and counseling services.
