Domestic human trafficking (commercial sexual exploitation) in Canada is no longer a hidden secret of traffickers and johns - those that buy and sell our girls and boys.
In our communities there are hundreds of victims that from the age of 14 were sexually assaulted for years. In 2021 Durham region alone reported 226 victims freed from their exploitation. In 2020 York Region identified 291 victims.
Dispelling the myths that victims are problem children from vulnerable communities they are taken from neighbourhoods and schools (high schools, colleges, and universities) from every economic class. Once our children they became a commodity bought by our fellow community members.
Post exploitation their victimization continues. Unable to access safe and affordable housing they remain at risk. Having generated hundreds of thousands of dollars each year taken by their trafficker they are denied funding for post secondary education programs.
The Concord Adex Survivors fund has been provided long term sustainable housing in 4 communities across Ontario. Entering post secondary programs in law, business, psychology, social work, and trades their grades place them at the top of their classmates.
Once regarded as a commodity they are becoming leaders in our businesses and in our communities.
The Seeds of Hope Foundation is a Canadian registered charity. Its mission statement is to build self-sustaining communities that create the conditions to enable individuals who are at a crossroads in their lives develop their livelihood, learning and creative potential through engagement with each other in learning activities, social enterprises and community endeavours. Donations are processed through the Seeds of Hope Charity Foundation and managed by them through an oversight committee of sponsors, educators and business leaders.
“Hoyes Michalos House offers a unique and beneficial opportunity to survivors. It allows survivors to focus on goals rather than survival, such as education and employment."
- Counsellor / Advocate
Diamond Sponsors are the leaders in communities establishing a specific “survivor” home in a community. Each house is supported by a local volunteer group of community members welcoming its residents. Referred to in the name of the Diamond Sponsor at all fund raising events locally and nationally it is a beacon of hope for all survivors.
Contact UsGold Sponsors provide tuition support for an individual survivor. Achieving a diploma or degree recipients are honored to acknowledge the company that provided them the opportunity to build a career and make a difference in the communities they live in.
Contact UsTraffickers having received hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from the exploitation of their victims leave them penniless. Despite our desire and strongest efforts the Concord Adex Survivor Fund simply cannot create housing solutions fast enough. Champion sponsors assist between 3 and 5 survivor by providing them with first and last month rent accessing housing on average 12 months sooner.
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Living in safe houses and shelters they face an uphill battle addressing the addiction from forced substance abuse, medical issues from years of abuse and neglect and the mental trauma of their exploitation.
While they will live forever with the horrific memories of their exploitation and ongoing counselling and support, they face new challenges as they move forward in rebuilding their lives.
Unknown to them, the financial fraud and debt abuse inflicted on them by their trafficker without their knowledge surfaces when they try to access housing. This prevents them from accessing safe and affordable housing placing them in a position to be revictimized. As a result of their negative credit rating they are removed from housing lists.
The financial fraud and debt abuse also prevents them from accessing funding for educational programs. Denied the right to education from their teen age years this continues into their adult years. With no skills they are limited to minimum wage employment opportunities. Leveraging their lived experience, they can make a difference in the lives of other victims if they are given the opportunity.
Having seen thousands of dollars flow through their hands to their trafficker(s) without access to housing and educational support they are placed into a position to be revictimized. For some, living in substandard housing and reliant on income that does not meet their basic needs their exploitation experience can seem to be an attractive alternative.
"Survivors of trafficking face multiple challenges in rebuilding their lives. These challenges include housing and financial insecurity, which increases their risk of revictimization. By providing survivors with housing supports and educational opportunities, we not only support their reintegration into their communities but increase their chances of long term success."
Rhonelle Bruder
SURVIVOR LEADER - FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROJECT IRISE (WWW.PROJECTIRISE.ORG)
The Concord Adex Survivors Fund seeks to empower survivors of human trafficking (commercial sexual exploitation), help them transition out of shelters when they are ready and into a place for once they can call their own.
Financial support through the Concord Adex Scholarship Fund ensures survivors of human trafficking (commercial sexual exploitation) have a chance to succeed in their educational pursuits. It makes things just a little easier for them!
