Governments provide $7M to help human trafficking survivors rebuild lives

Women’s Support Network of York Region, 360Kids will receive money to administer programs from federal, provincial governments

Yorkregion.com
Teresa Latchford
Dec. 21, 2017

A funding boost from the federal and provincial governments is intended to help survivors of human trafficking in Ontario.

The federal and provincial governments have just announced more than $7 million to create new transitional housing and rent assistance programs to help people who have survived human trafficking heal from the trauma and rebuild their lives.

Two York Region organizations, Women’s Support Network of York Region and 360Kids, will receive $393,120 and $378,000, respectively, to provide local services for human trafficking survivors.

“Ontario is committed to working with survivors, and with communities and agencies that provide critical supports to those who have been trafficked,” said Helena Jaczek, Markham-Oak Ridges MPP and Ontario community and social services minister. “It is so vital that survivors of human trafficking have access to the services they need, including housing, so that they can heal from the trauma after leaving a life of violence and exploitation.”

The funding will be delivered through the joint federal-provincial Investment in Affordable Housing agreement and will be administered through partners and community agencies receiving funding through Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Community Supports Fund and Indigenous-led Initiatives Fund.

“The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable,” families, children and social development minister Jean-Yves Kuclos said. “These investments demonstrate our Government’s commitment toward ensuring that survivors of human trafficking are able to enjoy a safe and stable environment.”

The funding will also help Toronto, in partnership with Covenant House, create a transition home for women and girls, with comprehensive, on-site services such as mental health and addictions treatment, education, legal and income supports.

Human trafficking survivors will be able to get assistance in paying rent while receiving wraparound supports from Native Women’s Inc. Hamilton Wentworth.

The Centre Passerelle pour femmes du Nord de l’Ontario will help French-speaking survivors access rent assistance in addition to transitional supports, legal assistance, counselling and other services.

Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre Sarnia Lambton will help survivors access rent assistance while offering targeted supports through a dedicated human trafficking worker and enhanced co-ordination through a community response protocol.