OUR WORK 

Since 2022, Boston HEAT has served one of the highest risk populations of sex trafficking victims: those with co-occurring homelessness, addiction, and mental health concerns. Through patience, repetition, and fortitude, we are working to educate and change systems and help these women to re-join the mainstream of society.

Through a unique, multi-disciplinary approach, we have created a collaboration between stakeholders that historically have been siloed: law enforcement, service providers, and survivor advocates. Using ride-alongs with the Boston Police Department, street outreach, 24/7 hotline access, and a privately night time safe space, Boston HEAT has developed a flexible, low barrier continuum of support for sexually exploited women. 

Currently, Boston HEAT:

* Works with 50 women currently being trafficked in Boston's Mass and Cass neighborhood.

* Supports our team of a psychologist and a peer advocate to develop trusting relationships through specialized street outreach year round. This is the foundation of recovery but nearly impossible to sustain when women are unhoused and actively addicted. We stay connected through meetings, calls, and texts combined with robust community partnerships at the Suffolk County House of Corrections, hospitals, police stations, and courtrooms.
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* Provides a safe, secure space twice a week until midnight. Women come to share meals, get help, shower, do laundry, and rest. 

* Partners with researchers at Northeastern University's Community 2 Community Impact Engine to track and evaluate outcomes of our work at Mass and Cass.

* Speaks at regional and national conferences, universities, and community events about commercial sexual exploitation, substance use disorder, and HEAT's innovative model of community collaboration.

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