Kaptur Announces Nearly $600K Grant to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced the Department of Justice has awarded a $598,719 grant to Advocating Opportunity in Toledo to strengthen the organization’s support services for survivors of human trafficking.

Advocating Opportunity provides holistic, trauma-responsive legal and support services to survivors of sex and labor trafficking throughout the Lucas County area. Since the onset of Covid-19, Advocating Opportunity has seen a surge in demand for its services, while simultaneously experiencing a reduction in resources due to the pandemic.

The Department of Justice grant will support Advocating Opportunity’s work to establish safe and stable housing environments for survivors of human trafficking, and deliver long-term care that helps guide their physical and emotional recovery.

“Even in the midst of this pandemic, Advocating Opportunity continued to provide the life-changing care that survivors of human trafficking need,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Recovery from trauma is a process that requires our community to rally together to lift up and support our neighbors in need. The federal government will continue serving as a partner in this crucial work.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support and assist human trafficking victims in Ohio with direct housing assistance from the Department of Justice,” said Advocating Opportunity Executive Director Megan Mattimoe. “Safe, permanent housing is the most critical piece for survivors and the key to reducing vulnerability to human trafficking across the board. We could not be more thrilled to be able to help our clients on this part of their journey.”

More information on Advocating Opportunity can be found here. More information on the Department of Justice grant can be found here.

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For more information, contact Chris Dalton at chris.dalton@mail.house.gov or (202) 897-7438.