Healing Starts Today: An Update on Our Emergency Housing Program for Survivors of Trafficking

Since our launch in the fall of 2024, our new emergency housing program has emerged as a vital resource for survivors of domestic trafficking from all over the United States, offering immediate safety and support in their time of greatest need. Through this single initiative, 401 Safe Nights have already been provided to those escaping cycles of exploitation.

We first introduced the program in September 2024, and by November 2024, we had welcomed our first resident. Designed to meet survivors where they’re at—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—our emergency housing initiative has quickly become a critical extension of our services, complementing the long-term care already offered through our Take Heart Residential.

“We’re now able to help women on the same day that they reach out for help,” shared Mary Nolen, Associate Director of Hope Center Indy. “We’ll be able to invite them in for a safe night or several nights, and then, if they want, they can choose to go into our long-term care program.”

Emergency housing is increasingly recognized as a pressing need in the anti-trafficking field. According to Mary, this program addresses a significant gap.

“Anytime I go to conferences with other service providers, they always talk about the need for more emergency housing,” she said. “And often, when we talk to referral partners that are doing emergency housing, their beds are full.”

Before launching short-term housing, our Take Heart Residential program for survivors primarily focused on long-term restorative care, which lasts about 15 months and involves a detailed intake process requiring seven consecutive days of sobriety. While this approach ensured a supportive environment for committed residents, it left a gap for survivors in immediate crisis who were unable to commit or meet these preliminary requirements.

Now, with our emergency housing program, we can prioritize rapid access to refuge without a lengthy intake process. Survivors can find immediate refuge during critical moments, where safety is critical.

“As we learn about women who are coming out of trafficking, seven days of sobriety could be a long time for them, and many need a place now,” explained Mary. “This new program allows us to reach them, offer a safe place, and help them begin their healing journey even sooner.”

Sandra Cundiff, Short-Term Housing Direct Care Coordinator, shared a few meaningful reflections since the program began. One survivor expressed deep gratitude for the chance to slow down and find rest in a safe place. Another shared that she had never felt the love of family like she had at the Hope Center.

Sandra described how residents initially hesitant to engage begin to realize that Take Heart Residential is different. One woman began to flourish, stepping into the long-term phase of care with a new sense of purpose and slowly discovering the kind of life she had always dreamed was possible.

Others are learning to view life not through the lens of trauma but through the truth of God’s Word. This shift takes time but becomes more natural with each passing day. Through creative arts classes, residents also explore new activities, uncovering talents and passions they may have never had the chance to pursue. 

These stories remind us that while healing begins with safety, it doesn't end there. At Hope Center Indy, we remain committed to providing survivors with robust wrap-around support systems that help them dream—and achieve—a brighter future.

We invite our followers and supporters to join us in praying for the residents in our short-term housing program as they consider their next steps. Whether choosing to transition into our long-term care program or pursuing other paths that best suit their needs, may they find clarity, hope, and encouragement as they continue on their journey toward healing and restoration.

Those committed to supporting survivors as they take their first steps towards safety and restoration can donate to Safe Nights here.