Himes Celebrates Federal Funding Anti Human Trafficking Non Profit

Bridgeport, CT - Today, Congressman Jim Himes announced that the Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT) was awarded a $1 million grant by the U.S. Department of Justice through their Office for Victims of Crime's Anti-Trafficking Housing Assistance program. Grants are awarded to community organizations dedicated to providing housing to survivors of human trafficking.

Congressman Himes said, "PEHT has long been a haven for survivors of human trafficking, offering comprehensive resources to provide much-needed security and stability. Every person who comes through PEHT's doors is not a statistic, but a person deserving care. This federal funding will help PEHT maintain its current transitional and short-term housing assistance and allow the non-profit to expand its capacity to serve additional survivors throughout Fairfield County."

PEHT Executive Director, Jamie Manirakiza, LSW, said, "We are honored to receive this critical grant from the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime, which will enable us to expand our housing assistance for victims of human trafficking in Southwest Connecticut. This funding addresses an urgent need for transitional and rapid re-housing services, allowing us to not only increase the identification of labor and sex trafficking victims but also provide comprehensive, wrap-around support. We remain committed to ensuring that every survivor has access to the safe, stable environment and supportive services necessary for their journey toward healing and independence."

Founded in 2016, PEHT offers a variety of programs to support survivors of human trafficking, including short-term and transitional housing, a drop-in center that provides food, hygiene products and other essentials, and community-based case management services. In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified nearly 17,000 victims of human trafficking in the United States.

Permalink: https://himes.house.gov/2024/10/himes-celebrates-federal-funding-anti-human-trafficking-non-profit