Access to safe, stable housing is often the turning point in a survivor’s journey toward freedom. During our recent webinar, Housing Solutions for Labor Trafficking Survivors, survivor leaders Anthony and Denise shared their expertise on the unique housing challenges faced by survivors—and how providers can respond with trauma-informed, flexible solutions.
Hosted by ReloShare, the session also highlighted how Safe Stays and The Grove support providers nationwide in closing critical housing gaps for survivors of labor and sex trafficking, domestic violence, and exploitation.
Why Housing Is Central to Survivor Safety
Labor trafficking survivors face barriers far beyond what’s visible. Many cannot provide pay stubs or proof of income because those documents are controlled by traffickers. Others face eviction records, broken leases, or immigration status tied to their trafficker. For men and boys—who are often overlooked in anti-trafficking housing programs—the options can be even more limited.
As Anthony emphasized:
“We’re not just talking about generic homelessness challenges. For labor trafficking survivors, the obstacles are layered, interconnected, and often invisible.”
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
1. Understanding Labor Trafficking
- Trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion—not just physical violence.
- Exploitation often happens in plain sight, through wage theft, threats of deportation, or document withholding.
- Many survivors don’t self-identify as trafficked, which makes safe, accessible housing all the more critical.
2. Housing Models That Work
Anthony and Denise outlined four stages of housing that can break the cycle of exploitation:
- Emergency Housing (shelters, hotels, Airbnbs, relocation support)
- Short-Term Housing (1–6 months of rental assistance)
- Transitional Housing (6–24 months with case management and wraparound services)
- Permanent Supportive Housing (for survivors experiencing chronic homelessness)
As Denise shared:
“Falling through the cracks doesn’t just mean homelessness. It means re-exploitation. Housing at every stage is crucial.”
3. Inclusive Responses for All Survivors
- Many programs focus narrowly on women and sex trafficking survivors.
- Male, immigrant, and labor trafficking survivors are often excluded due to eligibility rules.
- Expanding housing access requires partnerships with immigrant centers, workforce housing programs, and faith communities.
4. Language and Cultural Responsiveness
- Survivors may not resonate with terms like “violence” if their exploitation was primarily emotional or economic.
- Trauma-informed translation and interpretation services are essential.
- Providers should focus on dignity, flexibility, and safety—not rigid eligibility requirements.
How ReloShare Supports Providers
Safe Stays: Hotel Placements Without Barriers
Safe Stays is the only nationwide hotel booking platform built for survivor safety. With Alias Approved hotel options, no credit card requirements, and consolidated billing, Safe Stays removes the barriers that often keep survivors from accessing safe emergency lodging.
The Grove: Real-Time Shelter Bed Availability
The Grove helps providers instantly see open shelter beds and filter by demographics, services, and needs. It connects agencies across the U.S., reducing the phone tag that too often delays safety.
👉 For a limited time, The Grove is free for up to 12 months for domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking housing programs. Learn more in our full announcement »
Together, Safe Stays and The Grove create a continuum of care—ensuring no survivor has to wait when what they need most is immediate housing.
A Call to Action
Housing is not just a roof. It’s dignity. It’s independence. And for labor trafficking survivors, it’s the difference between breaking free or returning to exploitation.
At ReloShare, we’re committed to equipping providers with the tools to respond faster, safer, and smarter.
📩 Ready to strengthen your housing response? Connect with our team today »
