Georgia’s anti-human trafficking efforts have gained national attention, especially the state’s efforts to provide protective provisions for the crime victims. Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that an Atlanta-based non-profit has received a grant that will provide additional assistance to victims and “empower them to move forward with rebuilding their lives.”
Kemp was joined by First Lady Marty Kemp in making the announcement that Wellspring Living, an Atlanta-based non-profit that provides recovery services for human trafficking victims, will receive a total of $500,000 in housing assistance grants from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) within the U.S. Department of Justice.
“In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to ensure that human trafficking survivors have access to safe, stable housing,” said Governor Kemp.
According to Kemp, the grant is part of the FY2020 Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking Program to support housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking in the United States.
The three-year grant will provide funding which will allow Wellspring Living to offer a number of housing options for victims of human trafficking, including much needed state-licensed emergency housing for youth survivors in a residential program. The funding will also allow for two shelters for transitional housing for adult women, a twelve-month apartment voucher-program for adult victims who need long-term support, and access to a tiny home community where victims can live independently at low cost.
According to Kemp, the funding will also allow for trauma-informed support-based services that are victim centered.
“Mary Frances and her team at Wellspring Living understand the importance of these funds in their efforts to enhance the lives of human trafficking survivors in our state,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “Under this funding, Wellspring will be able to expand their efforts and ensure that more survivors get the help they need.”
Last week Kemp signed two bills into law that are part of First Lady Kemp’s initiative to end human trafficking and protect children in Georgia:
House Bill 823 provides that a person who knowingly uses a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of sexual or labor trafficking crimes will be disqualified as a commercial motor vehicle driver for life.
House Bill 911 closes a dangerous loophole and strengthens penalties for offenses of sexual misconduct by a foster parent.
