A new drop-in center for survivors of trafficking

Written by SAFE
A beautifully furnished home space with a white coffee table in surrounded on top of a rug. Surrounding the table is a red chair, a red sofa, a TV stand, and a TV. The items are all on a hardwood floor.

With the support of our community, SAFE is excited to announce that we are opening the Elizabeth Ann Seton Home for CARES. This emergency drop-in center is designed to better support survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation in our community.

There are currently about 79,000 minor and youth victims of sex trafficking in Texas. Launched in early 2018, SAFE CARES is a program that provides a comprehensive response for survivors of exploitation by creating opportunities to be, and feel, safe and connected.

Due to trauma and a lack of trusting relationships with adults, young people who have been sexually exploited and trafficked respond best to services specifically designed for this issue. CARES staff work with community partners to identify survivors without direct disclosure. Our program serves youth 12 years and older.

In the first year of the CARES program, SAFE served over 180 survivors of sex trafficking or exploitation in our community.

The Elizabeth Ann Seton Home for CARES is an emergency drop-in center in Austin for survivors of exploitation and trafficking. The home itself was donated to SAFE by Ascension Seton, with rent at $10 per month.  The new center was remodeled by HomeAid and their Builder Captain Taylor Morrison, as well as numerous trade partners. The interior of the home was decorated by the Austin 20, which has created a warm and inviting space for survivors to rest, get one-on-one counseling in a safe environment and meet with peers going through the same situation.

A well lit photo of common area, furnished with a couch, chair, and ottomans. A well lit photo of common area, furnished with a couch, chair, and ottomans. A photo of a small desk with two red chairs at it. A hallway entry is visible in the background.

In the past, SAFE has served the local community for with drop-in services at a rate of about 17 hours a week. With the new center, SAFE will be able to help local survivors by providing between 40 and 50 hours of service each week.

SAFE is extremely grateful to Ascension Seton, the Austin 20, HomeAid, Taylor Morrison, and all the other vendors that contributed, including Wisenbaker Builder Services, Builder’s First Source, Victory Plumbing, ABC Fence, Coronado Painters and Marek Brothers Drywall.

A group of 12 people dressed in varying levels of formality stand posing for a photo in front of a blue back drop that says "HomeAid Austin." Some people in the group are holding plaques thanking them for their contribution to the Elizabeth Ann Seton Home for CARES