WARREN, Mich. – Support efforts for human trafficking survivors are expanding in Macomb County.
Nonprofit Turning Point has announced a new shelter and additional apartment units to help survivors start new lives.
Related: Macomb County program partners with schools to bring awareness to teen dating violence
The new, 27-bed shelter came as a gift and will allow Turning Point to change more lives of human trafficking survivors in Macomb County and all over the country.
President and CEO Dr. Sharmon Davenport said the nonprofit takes in local and out-of-state labor or sex trafficking survivors. Having a place for them to stay other than a hotel is critical.
“The lack of housing is an extreme barrier to survivors, right? You don’t have anywhere to go, where you feel safe where you can take your children and know that they’re going to be safe,” Davenport said. “Chances are you’re really not going to leave a situation.”
So the additional shelter is an answered prayer.
“Recently, we were contacted by a local church in my hometown, and they said that they have renovated homes and created nine bedrooms with at least three beds each,” Davenport said.
All Turning Point has to do is provide the staff to run the home. Then thanks to a grant, the organization can add 12 apartment units to the 8 they already have.
“So survivors will be able to stay in their own apartment which we furnish, and they order for up to two years while they work on creating the changes that they need to stabilize their life and become self-sufficient,” Davenport said.
There are ways to help, from donating clothes and furniture to volunteering. More information can be found on Turning Point’s official website.
Related: 12 places domestic violence victims can get help in Metro Detroit