Find out more about the realities of sex trafficking from individuals who have gone through it themselves at thelifestory.org 

Concerned community member?

If there is someone in your life that you are concerned could be experiencing harm, one of the best things you can do is know the resources you can connect them with when they are ready. Being a safe and supportive person that can listen without judgment, and help connect them to confidential professional services can make all of the difference. Check out our services page to learn more about local programming.

Provider in the community?

Video presentation recording provided on January 8, 2021 Sex Trafficking at the Intersections of the Homeless Youth Continuum and the DV/SA System, by Sarah Nedeau the Director of Community Based Programs with New Avenues for Youth. 

Learn more about supporting those who are experiencing sex trafficking by reading this Zine created by Gibson with Raphael House of Portland.

Are you a health care provider? 

EMT Training that also serves as a 101 for individuals working with this population.

Online Webinar: SANE response to Sex Trafficking (1.5 hours) from the Sexual Assault Task Force.

SOAR has a free 2 hour online webinar and a PowerPoint presentation. 

Prevention

Here you will find an incredible toolkit created by a coalition in North Carolina. This Human Trafficking Prevention Toolkit goes over key areas to consider and is a must read for this work. Here is a shortened 2-page version. 

Proclamations

Each year for over ten years the Multnomah County Commissioner's have proclaimed January as human trafficking awareness month. For this proclamation we like to celebrate the good work and provide further awareness to the community. You can view the past proclamations from 2017-2021 below.

2021: (Skip to minute 5:38)

2020: (skip to minute 1:49:55)

2019: (skip to minute 27:00)

2018: (skip to minute 34:00)

2017: (skip to minute 7:55) 

Join in for an opportunity to provide support to individuals who have experienced sex trafficking by putting together a self-care backpack. Thank you for partnering with us and various county & city programs care for our neighbors in our community! 

A huge thank you to Bridgetown Church for running this campaign!

Drop Off Date: Saturday, January 23, 2021

Time: 12 - 2 PM 

Location: Bridgetown Church (2120 NE Tillamook St. Portland, OR 97212) in the back parking lot of Tillamook St. 

COVID Precautions: This will be a no-contact drop-off. Please wear a mask upon arrival and stay in your car. A volunteer, wearing a mask and gloves, will greet you. You can either hand them the backpack(s) through the window, or allow them to open your door to get the backpack(s). Thank you for helping to keep our community safe and healthy.

Questions?

Contact Brooke at brooke.nolte@bridgetown.church

We support individuals of all genders (with the greatest percentage being female-identified). When creating the bag, please provide items that are gender neutral as much as possible.

Hygiene Products

• Shampoo/Conditioner (shampoo bars with a case are great too!)

• Hair products for African Americans (i.e. cream, oil, silk wraps, leave-in conditioner, detangler, etc.)

• ​Wash cloth

• ​Flip flops

• Q-Tips**

• Liquid body wash & Loofa 

• Face wash

• Acne specific face wipes

• Body lotion

• Deodorant

• Feminine products: tampons, pads, and pH balancing wipes**

• Razors & shaving cream**

• Toothpaste & toothbrush

• Medicated Chapstick

• ​Eyebrow tweezers ​

• Brush & comb

• ​Nail clippers & file  

**Please keep these items in original packaging/boxes

Optional Products that Promote Dignity

• ​Nail polish

• ​Hair ties

• Make-up**

• Gift card to get nails done

• ​Gift card for hair products (i.e. Mid-K Beauty Supply has hair supplies for a variety of hair types)

• Gift card for clothing (i.e. Target / Fred Meyer)  

Backpacks

Backpacks should be generic bags appropriate for everyday use. Please avoid backpacks with characters, bright colors, animals, jewels, or other embellishments. All bags should be easy to clean and have pockets.  

Guidelines for Purchasing/Assembling

• Items should be new or ​very gently used. ​A good way to think of it: if ​you would feel funny receiving the quality of item as a gift, they would likely feel the same. We want to promote dignity and respect through the items, honoring these resilient, amazing individuals.  

• ​Hygiene products need to be normal size and of quality. Full size quality products rather than travel size. ​Also, if you would not want to use it on your body, or it is half full, or used....it would not feel as honoring to receive that as a gift.

• Items ideally as gender inclusive as possible. ​There are more women/girls than men/boys who engage in the services, but often they desire items that look older than their own age. Things that are more gender neutral help. Please no frills, sparkles, or animated animals.

• ​Feel free to include a note! ​Comments that promote dignity and are encouraging are great (i.e. “You got this, I think you’re amazing” “I’m glad you exist” “You matter”). Please refrain from comments about them being saved, rescued, or escaping. Please keep envelope unsealed.

• ​Gift cards are incredibly helpful! ​Please keep the amount to $10-$50. Places like Fred Meyer, Target, or Starbucks are great. Please write the amount provided on the card.

• Please no religious material ​(i.e. bibles, verses, journals with scripture)

Call to Safety

El Programa

IRCO

Junior League's Essentials Drive  

New Avenues for Youth

Raphael House of Portland

Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI)

Giving Connection