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Alamance County partners with Crossroads to apply for up to $950,000 human-trafficking victims grant
Summary
County staff and Crossroads told commissioners they will apply for a victims services grant (maximum award cited as $950,000 over 36 months) to expand safe housing, legal assistance and mental-health services for trafficking victims; Crossroads and local law enforcement emphasized the rising number of child victims and the need for sustained services and matching funds.
County staff and the nonprofit Crossroads told the board they will pursue a federal victims services human trafficking grant and that Crossroads would be a local partner to provide long-term support for victims.
A county presenter said the grant maximum cited on the application is $950,000 over 36 months and that Crossroads already has local match funds in place. "This is a victim-centered comprehensive support system," the presenter said, listing safe housing, legal assistance and mental-health services as anticipated uses.
Meredith Pefley, executive director of Crossroads, described the organization's long-standing anti-trafficking work in Alamance County and the regional advocacy council that coordinates law enforcement, social services and other jurisdictions. "Crossroads does not get governor's crime commission money for human trafficking," Pefley said; she added that county support can be important for securing federal matching funds.
Sheriff and law-enforcement partners were credited for investigative work through the Invictus unit, and both the sheriff's office and Crossroads noted the growing number of child victims exploited online. Commissioners questioned whether the requested county match (the board discussed an annual $75,000 contribution) would be available in the coming budget; Crossroads said the board's minimum match would be required if the application is successful.
No formal vote was taken; commissioners expressed support and promised budget consideration during the budget cycle.
