No More Foundation outlines training, housing expansion for trafficking survivors in Greater Tampa Bay

Tammy Kent, cofounder of the No More Foundation, told the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking on Sept. 25 that her group aims to "move people to action" through training, outreach and survivor services across Greater Tampa Bay. The presentation described new survivor homes, training numbers and volunteer hours and urged broader community involvement.

The No More Foundation, represented by cofounders Tammy Kent and Jamie Kent, said its anti‑trafficking and foster care initiative has trained 134,551 people and engaged 6,074 community members to foster, adopt, advocate and serve vulnerable children. Tammy Kent said the group helped place more than 473 survivors in safe housing, opened four survivor homes across the region and has approval to open a fifth home for women transitioning out of restoration programs. "We believe that community transformation is found at the intersection where awareness and mobilization meet," Tammy Kent said.

Jamie Kent, who described his own childhood experiences as part of his remarks, emphasized the link commissioners have highlighted between foster care and trafficking: "Where vulnerability exists, that leads to exploitation," he said. The presenters told commissioners they are partnering with Created and local agencies to expand capacity and noted a statewide shortage of long‑term certified housing beds; Jamie Kent said only about 97 statewide beds support long‑term services for survivors.

The presentation detailed recent local activities: a multi‑week Safe Haven project training at Joshua House that included survivor voices and mentor opportunities, two community trainings, and an eight‑hour training day for case managers and foster licensing staff that included panels with law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families. Tammy Kent said these partnerships are intended to increase the ability of trusted adults and mentors to spot exploitation among peers and to stabilize at‑risk youth.

Commission members asked about gaps the foundation sees. Tammy Kent and Jamie Kent identified two primary needs: expanded public education and more housing for survivors. Jamie Kent said housing remains a critical shortage in Florida and noted the foundation is pursuing creative, donated housing arrangements to open a fifth home in the coming months. "We need more beds," he said.

Commissioners and members praised the foundation's survivor‑centered approach and training work with Children's Network. Chair Rose thanked the cofounders and invited follow‑up; presenters offered to coordinate additional trainings with commission partners.

The commission did not take a formal funding vote during the presentation; commissioners discussed how the foundation's work aligns with the commission's priorities of foster care training, survivor support and emergency housing.