COVID changes life for victim of human trafficking
The Salvation Army Spokane, in partnership with the Spokane Regional Health District, Spokane County, and FEMA, recently opened an Isolation and Quarantine program for those who are homeless, have COVID, and want to change their lives.
One of The Salvation Army’s first guests was a 28-year-old victim of human trafficking named Maria. When she developed COVID, her trafficker kicked her out to the street as though she was a bag of garbage.
This young lady was full of shame and embarrassed for what her life had become; thinking she was to blame, and that she was unworthy of anything good. Thoughts of suicide crossed Maria’s mind.
Not knowing where to turn next, Maria came to The Salvation Army through a community street outreach that offered help to individuals seeking true change. Upon her arrival, Maria was also struggling with a co-existing addiction to drugs. This is another way the trafficker had control over her, and others like her.
However, because of the pain and agony that she had endured for years, Maria wanted to turn her life around and was very receptive to the help, warmth, care, and comfort she received from The Salvation Army staff.
While in isolation, the staff was able to secure Maria’s ID, get her on benefits, and arrange for her discharge to a six-month in-patient women’s drug and alcohol program.
On the day that Maria left the Isolation and Quarantine program for treatment, she first met with her parents for lunch; the first time all three of them were sober at the same time, according to Maria.
This young woman is still in treatment. But, today, Maria has a choice over her body, her decisions, and her life. A major victory in Christ!
If you or someone you know is a victim of Human Trafficking, please call the hotline number at 888-373-7888.