DETROIT (WXYZ) — January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. So we decided to talk about this international epidemic by taking you to where the victims are – the streets.
7 Action News Reporter Andrea Isom spent the night with an outreach group committed to abolishing human sex trafficking, one person at a time.
RELATED: The apps human trafficking predators use and what parents should know
Four years ago, Debbie Ellinger started a mission. It was her calling to help the vulnerable, the victims of forced prostitution. It’s called Elli’s House, a nonprofit organization that offers temporary shelter and a support system for people in the throws of forced human trafficking.
Yes, I am crying 😢 But my tears are leading me to do something, to help change something. WAKE UP!!!! It is #HUMANTRAFFICKINGAWARENESSMONTH 💙 I hope my story will make you act too. Please, watch today on @wxyzdetroit at 6pm. @ellishouse313 🙌🏾🙏🏽 HELP STOP 🛑 #HumanTrafficking pic.twitter.com/8ZL1UFGfrt
— Andrea Isom (@AndreaIsomWXYZ) January 21, 2020
Twice a week, Ellinger and her team drive for hours on the east side of Detroit. They feed, clothe, pray and fellowship with the young women who most people just judge or ignore.
Ellinger’s dream is to help get all of the victims off the streets. But sadly, the reality is that many of the women will die there.
RELATED: These indicators could help you identify victims of human trafficking
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it's happening all over the world. Ellinger's wish is that organizations, law enforcement, government – all of us will come together to help end these crimes and end the abuse.
We are stronger together. Please get involved. If you don’t think human trafficking could affect you, think again.
For more information, visit Elli's House on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also visit the organization's website here.
You can reach out for more information by contacting the organization through email at ellishouse313@yahoo.com.
