Law enforcement has identified San Diego as an international gateway city for sex trafficking (the epidemic of demand is 80% domestic) and one of the 13 cities in the nation with the highest incidence of child prostitution.  110 gangs were identified in San Diego involved in recruiting and selling women and children in the sex trade.  Recruitment is active in our middle schools, high schools, public transportation, malls, parks, parties/clubs, anywhere that teens socialize. In San Diego, 20 of 20 schools studied reported recruiting activity on their students.

The ongoing sex traffic trade and the lasting harm it does to young women cannot be denied. FOCUS is dedicated to providing a secure environment within local shelters where residents know safety, comfort and understanding are provided by a professional staff.

Generate Hope

GenerateHope is a safe place for survivors of sex trafficking to heal and find restoration in long-term housing and trauma-informed therapy, education, and vocational support. Since recovery from sexual exploitation is a long-term process, GenerateHope provides safety, community, and individualized life skills support to work through deep trauma and discover a healthy, purpose-filled life.

Projects:

• Grocery deliveries for their 2 homes.

Hidden Treasures (Tiffany’s Place)

Provides a safe home for girls, 12-17, who have been trafficked. One of only 4 in California for that age group. Girls are home schooled to make them more comfortable. Offers girls usual childhood experiences which have been lacking in their lives, such as trips to the zoo, bike riding, dinner out. This year they have eliminated girls running away, had a girl graduate from high school, had a participant finish their program and successfully move on into a regular foster home, had the forced face tattoos removed for a client.

Projects:   

• Purchased items from their wishlist to help girls participate in usual day to day family activities including  a bike and helmet, art supplies and kitchen items.
• Provision of multiple school items to be used at home by the students such as construction paper, notebooks, pencils and glue sticks.