The Bad Business of Bodies, Where to go for Help (Resource Guide)
by Ashley Meenach Peter
It is estimated that there are 400,000 people living in modern day slavery in the United States. Of that 400,000, 75% are estimated to be cases related to sex trafficking. Unitas, an international humanitarian organization working to provide solutions in the fight against human trafficking, describes human trafficking as ‘the exploitation or enslaving of other people. Human beings are treated as property and their bodies are sold to others without their consent.’ There are still many cases that go undetected, but with awareness and education we can insure victims have the support to come forward. What can we do to help?
Trafficking in Cincinnati
It’s hard to believe, but looking at numbers from 2007 to the present, Ohio is listed as number 5 on the list of states with the highest number of reported cases of trafficking, totaling 833 cases in the 13 year span. In 2019 there were a total of 229 cases reported in Ohio, and 539 contacts to the National Human Trafficking hotline for the first 6 months of the year. Its surprising that these numbers are real, however its even more astonishing that there are many cases of human trafficking that go unreported. Of the cases reported, 86.8% of victims were that of sex trafficking. with the ease you can get to almost anywhere in the US within 8 hours of Cincinnati, it's easy to see why it's such a hot spot. With 5 major expressways leading all over the country and Canada and the ease of travel through the tri-state area, it leaves perpetrators with a pretty effortless escape. A quick exit with little trace. That's why it's important to be aware and stay educated on the signs that may be present. If you see something, speak up. Don't ever approach someone
you think may be a perpetrator of trafficking, but be sure you are aware of the proper resources and channels for reporting any suspicions. There are many resources available in Cincinnati for victims. If nothing else, share this list, you may save a life. If you feel like someone may be in danger or is in an emergency situation, please first contact your local authorities.
Resources in Cincinnati and NKY
1.) Women of Alabaster
Women of Alabaster is a community outreach and day ministry program in Cincinnati, located at 1953 Central Ave Cincinnati OH, 45214.
Thursdays and Saturdays they offer outreach in the streets and provide food, hygiene items, conversation, support and an ear to listen, in hopes that women will come into the daily ministries site. Run by Scarlette Hudson, or known at the house as Momma Scar, the house is open Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm. When open the house offers a warm, welcoming, home style environment, conversation, prayer, food, and donations such as survival gear or clothing. Staff will also assist with obtaining social security cards/birth certificates and medical cards so clients can enroll in treatment.
Women of Alabaster is currently in the process of creating a long term treatment program located in Indiana.
For information on services please contact 513.543.5656
2.) Josephine's Clinic
Josephine's Clinic is a volunteer medical and trauma non-profit, providing medical care, mental health, forensic and trauma informed care. They work specifically with those affected by human trafficking and violence, working with other community partners to offer support and transform lives. They inform and increase awareness about human trafficking, sex trafficking, prostitution, as well as the role addiction plays in quality of care victims receive. They are driven to expand delivery of services such as dental, substance treatment, and OB/GYN services to include Indiana and Kentucky by using creative strategies such as mobile health units and partnering with other community agencies in that specific area. Current hours are Monday- Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
The Josephine Clinic is located in the same building as the Women of Alabaster at
1953 Central Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45014
513.237.1413
3.) Salvation Army
For over 150 year the Salvation Army has been an advocate for those escaping the life of human trafficking. Not only do they provide emergency services such as shelter, transportation and food, but they offer extended services such as safety planning,crisis intervention, victim advocacy, job development and substance abuse programs. The Salvation Army of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky partners with the anti-trafficking program called End Slavery Cincinnati. This program develops individual plans for each client regardless of age, gender or documentation status. With in 5th year in service of the community, their objective is to increase identification of victims by increasing public awareness.
To report a case in the Cincinnati area, call the 24 hour hotline at
513-800-1863
Interpreters available
To report a case outside of the Cincinnati area, please call the 24 hour hotline at
1-888-373-7888
Fore more information on the Salvation Army or End Slavery, please visit the sites below
https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-cincinnati/fight-for-justice/
https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-cincinnati/end-slavery-cincinnati/
4.) City Gospel Mission
One of the biggest outreach programs in the Cincinnati area. City Gospel offers an array of services to those in need in the community. Some of those services include-
An overnight men's shelter providing shelter for up to 74 men. all guests receive a locker, bed, and are assigned a caseworker to discuss further needs.
Job van program- offers those in need a chance to work for a day. The job van picks up downtown and Over the Rhine 4 days a week and offers a day of work for $9/hr cash, as well as lunch provided. The participants engage in city beautification and this gives volunteers an opportunity to get to know those in the program and gain trust.
Offers hot breakfast and dinner everyday and serves more than 100 guests daily.
City gospel offers many other services to those in the community, a full detailed list can be found at the website below.
https://www.citygospelmission.org/
5.) Off the Streets
Off the streets is an award winning program created in 2006 to serve the needs of women experiencing sex trafficking by offering safety, recovery and empowerment. Off the streets works with many other community agencies and outreaches but allows the client to guide their own plan based on their concerns and needs. They offer many services such as short term emergency shelter, detox services, legal services, metal health screening and therapy, detox services, and medical care.
Outreach and Intake Coordinator 513-378-2534
https://www.cubcincy.org/how-we-help-2/off-the-streets/
6.) Kingdom Warriors
As of 3/25/20 Kingdom Warriors has served 74,499 hot meals served to the homeless directly on the street. Also offers a ministry called Big Bertha supplied with clothing, coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, tents, candles, blessing bags, lice treatments and survival gear. They are always accepting donations, For further information on future locations or where to donate please visit
http://kingdomwarriorsusa.org/
*Please note that as a result of COVID19, KIngdom Warriors will not be doing community outreach. Safety of their clients and volunteers is of most importance. Please check their website for further updates.
7.) Our Daily Bread
Cincinnati's largest soup kitchen serves upwards of 530 meals a day. Started in 1985 and they also offer emergency assistance and an after school program called Kids Club (currently suspended due to COVID19). Our Daily Bread is currently in need of many donations, you can find a list on their website as well as information on donation hours and address to drop off.
1730 Race St. Cincinnati Ohio, 45202
513-621-6364
*Due to COVID19 restrictions, Our DailyBread is not currently allowing people into the building but are handing out hot coffee/tea/cocoa as well as sandwiches, pastries and hot to go meals daily from 8:30am-11:45am. They also have a port-o-let and hand washing station on one side of the building with a water station on the other side.
8.) Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth
Lighthouse offers services geared towards youth who are motivated to move from homelessness to stable housing. Each youth works with a case manager that helps develop a case plan and implement it. Young adults also learn daily life skills and self reliance while at the shelter.
Lighthouse also offers a juvenile justice program assisting youth with treatment, workforce development, and community engagement to decrease the chance of future criminal activity.
Emergency services are provided for those needing shelter right now.
Under 18 please call 513.961.4080
Over 18 please call 513.569.9500
2314 Iowa Ave Cincinnati OH, 45206
9.) Bethany House (family)
Immediate assistance for families by calling 513.381.7233
While at the shelter parents will receive resources to help obtain an income, comfortable living, and a good environment for their children. Bethany house also offers many other resources geared toward parenting and families. You can find a full list of services at
https://bethanyhouseservices.org/
1841 fairmount Ave Cincinnati OH, 45214
*Shelter options may be limited or different due to COVID19 regulations
10.) Interfaith Hospitality
Interfaith Hospitality is a network of Greater Cincinnati that provides emergency shelter and housing programs geared toward families in the Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Interfaith Hospitality is unique because they offer a pet support program. Families may keep their cat/dog or other small companion instead of giving them up or leaving them behind. Interfaith Hospitality also hosts a birthday party for children at the shelter and offers child enrichment programs daily.
To contact call 513.471.1100
900 Nassau St. Cincinnati OH 45206
https://ihncincinnati.org/explore/programs/
With the ongoing crisis currently going on in our nation, as well as the lack of resources available at this time, all of the shelters and organizations above are in desperate need of donations and volunteers. Please visit the organization's website to find out ways you can help those in need in our area!
For cases related to areas outside of the tri-state area, please contact the National Human trafficking Hotline at 1.888.373.7888
Or if you are in a situation where you are not able to talk, text HELP or INFO to 233722 (BEFREE)