Around the nation, Eight Days of Hope (EDOH) is known for its faithful volunteers and leadership as they serve families during some of their most challenging moments. Widely known for its rapid response teams, EDOH helps families sort through the rubble and rebuild homes after natural disaster strikes. Since its inception in 2005, the ministry has served 8,600 families with the help of more than 48,000 volunteers.
But a few years ago, the EDOH team added a new branch – the Safe House Ministry (SHM).
When EDOH founder Steve Tybor came face-to-face with the reality of human trafficking, his world was forever changed. As he and his team began to learn about this horrific crime, they wanted to minister to those trafficked and abused. So in 2019, they began this journey.
When it comes to human trafficking, many Americans lack understanding concerning the prevalence of the crime. Some might think that it happens only overseas, but the reality is that it happens in every state and city in the U.S.
Here are a few facts from EDOH’s Human Trafficking and Online Safety guide:
- Yearly, human trafficking brings in $150 billion.
- The average age of entry is age 14.
- One of six survivors was forced into trafficking by age 12.
- A survey found that 17% of traffickers were trafficked by a family member.
- Human trafficking happens in every state and U.S. territory.
- In 2019, half of human trafficking victims in the U.S. involved children.
- More than 80% of victims were U.S. citizens.
Recently, SHM director, Hannah Fletcher, shared some insights with The Stand concerning this arm of EDOH’s ministry.
When it comes to safe houses nationwide, Fletcher estimates that there are only 200 adult facilities. However, of those facilities, only 60 offer restorative care for victims. Likewise, safe beds for child victims are a rare occurrence. Fletcher stated that there are fewer than 600 safe beds for children ages 18 and under.
After much prayerful consideration, EDOH decided to help change those numbers.
Since SHM’s beginnings, EDOH has partnered with 13 organizations in 8 states to build or renovate 5 care centers and 7 safe homes and provide 63 safe beds for individualized survivor care. Though these are different partner organizations, EDOH makes sure each facility worked on has special places for survivors to heal and seek the love of Jesus.
“The care centers are places where communities are able to do immediate outreach,” Fletcher continued. “They are available so victims are able to start feeling safe and begin to think I could leave, I could go to this organization, and they could help. Alternatively, the restorative campuses [aka safe homes] are long-term residential facilities where survivors can stay up to two years free of charge.”
Last month, EDOH volunteers built its newest SHM project in Memphis, Tennessee. For this build, EDOH partnered with A Way Out Ministries. With the help of 30 daily volunteers (from 15 states and 2 countries), the team built the Memphis ministry a safe place where survivors could come and learn trades and skills. And while most safe house builds take 14 days to complete, this one was finished in 10! Overall, the team framed, roofed, house wrapped, and installed windows for this building. (See pictures below.)
And EDOH won’t stop there.
Later this year, alongside more amazing volunteers and partners, they will tackle their biggest project yet – Safe Harbor Ohio.
Thanks to the help of EDOH supporters, volunteers, and local organizations, this $6 million build will be completed at no cost. This build is specifically for child survivors (ages 14-18). This location will have three cottages (housing four girls each), a medical facility, a school, a chapel, and a recreational facility. The ultimate goal of Safe Harbor is that no survivor will have to leave the campus for any care.
Isn’t that incredible?
And this is just year four! I can’t wait to see all the amazing things EDOH’s SHM will accomplish. To learn more about this ministry and other EDOH opportunities, check out eightdaysofhope.com. Join them in being the hands and feet of Jesus!
