REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) provides pathways to freedom, safety, and hope for victims of sex trafficking and those involved in the sex trade by offering programs that are centered on the strengths, needs, and individual choices of each survivor they serve.
In each of their programs, from crisis intervention through long-term housing, the REST team works with survivors to increase safety and move toward healing, stability, and economic independence. Services are designed to be individualized, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered.
The holistic continuum of care implemented at REST includes drop-in services, emergency shelter, case management, medical and mental health services, housing, and economic empowerment services.
The REST team performs outreach on the street and through an innovative tech platform, staffs a 24/7 crisis intervention hotline, and collaborates locally and nationally with organizations committed to increasing access to services for survivors.
REST is also a founding member of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance, offering mentorship and training to service providers across the country.
Their expertise in the victim and survivor services arena comes from a dedication to excellence and a commitment to evolving with the needs of their clients.
In the last four years, over 900 survivors enrolled in REST services including 224 who gained stable housing and 214 who gained employment. These impressive outcomes were made possible by the organization’s commitment to meet survivors where they are with low-barrier access to critical shelter and services.
In recognition of the fact that housing is the most important pillar of support to their clients, REST designed the Path to Permanent Housing for Survivors program with four key components. An emergency shelter provides individual rooms for seven women to stay for 30–90 days as they stabilize and identify the next steps on their healing and recovery journey.
A two-year independent and transitional living program serves six adults who receive advocacy, case management, and peer support as they take the brave first steps toward sustainable independence. When survivors are placed in permanent housing options, REST provides housing assistance as needed with rental subsidies to assist them in gaining and maintaining permanent housing as well as a Housing Specialist who provides relational and tangible support in navigating housing services while connecting clients to flexible housing solutions.
Strategic funding from The Jensen Project will allow REST to expand capacity in their Path to Permanent Housing program even further by sustaining the specialized emergency shelter for women, doubling the transitional living program to serve six additional survivors each year, expanding financial assistance to 30 more survivors each year, and employing the Housing Specialist that supports them all.
By providing this carefully constructed continuum of housing services and support from entry to independence, REST is greatly increasing their clients’ ability to achieve self-sufficiency and economic advancement.
The Jensen Project is honored and grateful to partner with REST in providing these pathways to freedom and security.
"Strategic funding from The Jensen Project will allow REST to expand capacity in their housing program by sustaining the specialized emergency shelter for women, doubling the transitional living program, and expanding survivor financial assistance."
A yearly grant program, funding up to $2 Million to advance economic empowerment and housing opportunities for agencies who serve adult female survivors of human trafficking.
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It takes funding for organizations to help women impacted by sexual violence, but it’s just the starting point. The Jensen Project’s holistic approach empowers nonprofits with grants, resources, and ongoing support to fuel the fight against sexual violence.