Finkenauer Announces Federal Grant to Provide Housing for Human Trafficking Victims in Northeast Iowa

August 6, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Thursday announced that Waverly-based Friends of the Family will receive $472,722 over three years through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking Program. 

The program supports housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout the United States, and specifically funds transitional housing and related support services. 

Friends of the Family will use the grant to implement Home Free, a short-to-medium term, low-barrier housing initiative for trafficking survivors. The program offers a rental subsidy for survivors of labor or sex trafficking, and will provide 10 program spots to assist a projected 54 survivors over its 3-year term.  

In addition, permanent housing placement and voluntary community-based case management services will be offered in Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Bremer, Clayton, Chickasaw, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard, Jones, Linn, and Winneshiek counties.  

"Human trafficking is an abhorrent form of modern-day slavery that occurs all too often in our own backyard. Supporting victims and ending human trafficking is a universal goal that crosses borders and party lines," Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said.   

"This grant and the implementation of the Home Free program will allow Friends of the Family to expand their housing services and the vital support they provide to victims of abuse and exploitation," Finkenauer said. "Together, we’re committed to supporting victims and ultimately eliminating human trafficking in Iowa." 

Friends of the Family supports survivors and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  With offices throughout Northeast Iowa, they offer housing assistance and other confidential services to individuals in crisis due to homelessness, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. 

If you are a victim of domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual abuse and are in need of the services provided by Friends of the Family, call their crisis line at (800) 410-7233. An advocate is available 24/7. If calling is not an option, contact the Iowa Victim Call Center by texting “IOWAHELP” to 20121 to access their live chat feature.