Awaken Housing Program – Now Open!

This January 2019, Awaken opened the very first restorative home in northern Nevada specifically designed for women affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).

Housing for victims of sex trafficking and CSE is hard to come by, yet desperately needed. While we have worked with other partners to find housing solutions, the unique and complex circumstances of our clients require customized services not often available at domestic violence, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, or homeless shelters. A woman sold by her father since she was 10-years-old, will not share the same needs as a woman who has endured an abusive husband. The experiences, types of trauma, interventions, and outcomes are quite different. Because of that, this 4-bedroom home is truly a dream come true.

Our own first-hand experience, backed by various studies, shows that long-term transitional housing is among victims’ greatest needs. However, a recent survey found that there are less than 40 programs of this kind across the nation and many states lacked any specialized residential programs.

Soon, northern Nevada will be one of the few communities to offer this type of housing. Awaken will ensure every resident has access to the services and opportunities she needs to heal. In this space, women who were once used and abused for the pleasure of others, will learn to nourish their own bodies and souls. They will have room to deal with the pain of their past as well as shared spaces to celebrate successes and build lasting friendships.

All of Awaken’s services, including those that will be offered in the home, are focused on healing, empowerment and identity building. We aim for survivors to be restored to their fullest potential.

The Awaken home aims to:

• Provide an 18 to 24 month, rent-free, home environment based on a community living model;
• Help residents live honest, sober, and self-sufficient lives;
• Connect residents with services to help them heal, including alcohol and drug treatment programs, mental health services and physical healthcare;
• Provide educational and job training opportunities;
• Nurture self-understanding through personal and spiritual growth;
• Offer the time and support needed to recover from past trauma.

This program is made possible thanks to caring and generous donors who are committed to closing this service gap for victims in our region; these people are heroes in our book. In this new home, women who were once told who they are, will be given the chance to find their new identity and reclaim the lives that were once stolen from them.

Thank you to everyone who has made this possible!