Human trafficking remains a pervasive issue across Washington. Women trapped in human trafficking situations face enormous barriers when attempting to leave their circumstances, including a lack of safe housing, behavioral health care, addiction recovery, and limited support networks. Traditional short-term shelters can be vital for providing immediate relief, but they are not equipped to address the deep rooted trauma or the complex needs that arise from prolonged abuse and exploitation. Without ongoing support, trafficking survivors can return to dangerous situations, perpetuating cycles of abuse and vulnerability.

Engedi Refuge is the only long-term residential program of its kind in Washington, setting us apart from other anti-trafficking services in the state. Women can stay at Engedi for up to two years. While emergency shelters and short-term housing programs are necessary for immediate escape, Engedi Refuge offers extended stays that allow survivors time to truly recover and rebuild. Our unique holistic program recognizes that healing from exploitation is not a quick process. It requires months, sometimes years, of dedicated support and trauma-informed care.

Having the stability of long-term housing is transformative for survivors. It offers safety from traffickers, abusers, and the environments that once threatened their well-being. With a secure place to call home, the women who come to Engedi can focus on healing rather than mere survival. Long-term housing fosters a sense of belonging and provides the foundation for emotional recovery.

Women who receive extended residential support are far less likely to return to a life of exploitation. Our continuity of care enables residents to process trauma, build trust with staff and peers, and develop healthy coping strategies. It also allows for gradual progress, empowering women to set goals, pursue education, and gain employment at their own pace. The result is a cycle of healing and growth that breaks the chains of exploitation and creates new opportunities for independence. In fact, over 90% of the women who graduate from our program do not return to a life of commercial sexual exploitation after they leave Engedi Refuge.