This webinar will explore one of the greatest needs that survivors of sex and labor trafficking have: safe, stable, and affordable housing. Presenters will explore short and long-term survivor-centered housing options, why “one-size-fits-all” approaches are unworkable, how survivors can face long-term and systemic barriers to housing that make access to permanent and stable housing difficult, and how vital housing can be to healing and recovery from trauma. Presenters will describe the wide range of housing needs survivors face, current options in North Florida and nationwide, and how communities can best respond to meet survivors’ needs. The session will also cover potential funding sources and how current shelter and housing programs, local agencies, landlords, and advocates can identify housing options during a time of scarce affordable housing. In addition to housing providers and funders, law enforcement and justice system representatives, non-profit agencies, private-sector representatives, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the vital role housing plays in ending human trafficking should attend.
About the Presenters:
Rachel Ostergaard, LCSW, Senior Housing Project Manager, Freedom Network USA, has been engaged in anti-trafficking work since 2005. Her experience spans direct service provision, program development, and program management. As the Senior Housing Project Manager at Freedom Network USA, she oversees training and technical assistance for all OVC-funded housing grantees. Before joining Freedom Network, she served as Program Manager for the Salvation Army STOP IT Program, where she supported and oversaw comprehensive case management services, a 24-hour hotline, a drop-in center, and a transitional housing program. During her time in Chicago’s anti-trafficking movement, she was an active member of the Cook County Human Trafficking Subcommittee, an appointed member of the Mayor’s Office Gender-Based Violence Taskforce, and conducted training on human trafficking for thousands of individuals across various sectors.
Micha Allen, MSW, The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC)
is Community Service Advocate at the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) and brings almost a decade of experience in social services and community-based advocacy. Her work has focused on empowering individuals and families to navigate complex systems and reclaim their independence through compassion, collaboration, and trauma-informed care. Before joining STAC, Micha coordinated entry and housing initiatives across the Big Bend region, supporting system-level improvements and advocating for vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness. Her work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. Micha is deeply committed to fostering safe, supportive environments where individuals can build stability, resilience, and lasting change.
Graciela Marquina, MSW, The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC)
Graciela Marquina a Community Service Advocate at the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center. A skilled interviewer of victims and survivors of labor and sex trafficking, she is a passionate advocate for systemic change and community resilience. She brings over two decades of extensive experience in nonprofit organizations and provides training and education on human trafficking to communities across the state, including NGOs and government agencies and she is deeply committed to ending human trafficking.