3 Arizona organizations receive $1.2M to help victims of human trafficking

PHOENIX — Three Arizona organizations recently received more than $1.2 million in grants from the Department of Justice’s Office to help provide housing for victims of human trafficking.

New Life Center, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. and Maggie’s Place, Inc. were awarded the grants that will provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing for human trafficking victims, according to a press release from the United State’s Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.

The money will also help with rent, utilities, security deposits, relocation costs and provide the support needed to help find permanent housing and employment.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan said in the release that human traffickers threaten their victims with homelessness.

“Human traffickers dangle the threat of homelessness over those they have entrapped, playing a ruthless game of psychological manipulation that victims are never in a position to win,” she said.

“These grants will empower survivors on their path to independence and a life of self-sufficiency and hope.”

More than $35 million in grants have also been awarded to 73 organizations across 34 states, according to the release, to help aid in the fight against human trafficking.

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