U.S. Attorney, Human Trafficking, Colorado 2024

Human trafficking thrives in the shadows — a brutal, hidden crime that strips victims of freedom, dignity, and safety. But now, Colorado is taking a hard stand with nearly $1 million in federal funding aimed directly at tearing down one of traffickers’ most powerful tools: the threat of homelessness. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Jason R. Dunn, announced the award from the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime to provide safe, stable housing and essential support services for survivors.

The grant splits $992,743 between two Denver-based organizations: Street’s Hope receives $492,750 and Break Free Inc. gets $499,993. These groups will deliver six to 24 months of transitional housing assistance, covering rent, utilities, security deposits, and relocation costs. For victims who’ve endured psychological manipulation and physical abuse, this isn’t charity — it’s a lifeline. The funding also backs job placement, occupational training, and trauma-informed counseling, crucial steps toward independence.

“Human traffickers dangle the threat of homelessness over those they have entrapped, playing a ruthless game of psychological manipulation that victims are never in a position to win,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. The Justice Department isn’t mincing words: this is war on a criminal enterprise that preys on the vulnerable, and housing is now a frontline weapon.

U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn emphasized that prosecution alone isn’t enough. “We work tirelessly to find and prosecute human traffickers, but supporting survivors as they look to rebuild their lives with counseling, new housing, and new employment is equally as important.” The feds know the numbers are likely worse than reported — a National Institute of Justice study confirms police data captures only a fraction of actual trafficking cases.

This funding is part of a nationwide push. Street’s Hope and Break Free Inc. join 73 organizations sharing over $35 million in OVC grants. From July 2018 to June 2019, OVC grantees served 8,375 individuals showing strong indicators of trafficking victimization. In that grim tally are stories of coercion, abuse, and survival — now met with federal resolve.

The Office of Justice Programs continues to lead the charge, backing training, technical assistance, and victim-centered reforms. As the DOJ marks its 150th year, it’s clear: the fight against human trafficking isn’t just about arrests. It’s about tearing apart the system of control — one safe apartment, one job, one survivor at a time.

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