“Heartland’s support has impacted me greatly, especially during this COVID 19 pandemic,” said Alex, a Heartland Alliance Freedom from Trafficking (FFT) participant. “I have not been able to work the usual hours I used. For that matter, my paycheck was cut off. The housing and employment assistance has been a great help.”
Every year, thousands of men, women and children are trafficked, in their own countries and abroad. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, and so the United Nations recognizes this crisis every year on July 30th with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. It is a time to raise awareness and look for solutions to end the crisis.
One of the greatest risk factors for human trafficking is economic instability. When individuals and families are struggling financially for the most basic needs, they are more likely to be taken advantage of and get stuck in a trafficking situation. It is in these moments that predators take advantage. Our Freedom from Trafficking program has been developed to assist survivors of trafficking in finding the opportunities and resources to ensure that does not happen again. As we continue to face social and economic barriers exacerbated by COVID-19, the fight against trafficking has only become more difficult.
“Most of the people we serve were already living paycheck to paycheck, and after losing employment due to COVID-19, many have fallen behind on rent payments,” said Joshua Grizzard, FFT’s Housing Resource Specialist.
As FFT’s participants are foreign-born and pursuing immigration relief based on their experiences, many are still awaiting status and are ineligible for economic relief programs such as the stimulus check, unemployment insurance, and rent relief. Some were already working informal and unprotected jobs before the pandemic, and the current realities have only made these vulnerabilities more stark. Finding income to pay for the basics of rent, food, and bills has become more difficult than ever.
“Some have been able to access some rent relief, but with the eviction moratorium in Chicago set to expire soon, some participants are facing a real risk of eviction and homelessness.” Grizzard said.
But while the needs have been great, our team continues to see progress. Communities around the city – from faith-based organizations, to immigrant support groups, city programs, and neighborhood groups have risen to the challenge and organized food drives, rent support, and cash assistance programs for those left out of COVID-19 relief programs.
The programs are often time-limited and have specific eligibility requirements, but by using this patchwork of resources, participants have been able to connect to some extremely important resources. It requires a great deal of flexibility and constantly being on the lookout for new resources to assist participants, often one month at a time.
“Especially during this pandemic, there needs to be a concerted effort to organize and distribute financial support to undocumented participants,” Grizzard said. “In the end, it is the best way to ensure participants do not have to make impossible decisions that could lead to revictimization.”
The safety and security provided by these supports does more than just protect the people we serve, it allows them to move forward in their careers and lives. By allowing individuals to navigate through the pandemic without desperation, participants can make choices that solidify their self-sufficiency – changing lives for the better for people like Alex.
“The support I get from Heartland for my rent and utility bills made me not stress, and instead I concentrated on my remote and laboratory classes,” Alex said. “The extra little things, like bus passes, help make my life comfortable. I really appreciate it, and thank Heartland for everything.”
