Harrell Announces $1.7 Million To Support Survivors Of Sexual Exploitation

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently announced $1.7 million in new funding to expand services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, part of a broader effort to increase access to housing, medical and mental health care, and culturally responsive advocacy programs. The funding will support four local organizations, with services beginning as early as this month.

“Seattle is committed to being a city where every person can live in safety, dignity, and hope for the future,” said Mayor Harrell. “Survivors of commercial sexual exploitation deserve support that honors their experiences and helps them create their own path to healing and stability. This investment is about more than dollars — it’s about expanding safe spaces, removing barriers to care, and uplifting the culturally responsive organizations that are walking alongside survivors every day.”

The latest investment is part of a $7.5 million commitment for 2025 survivor services, marking an 83 percent funding increase since 2022. Since then, more than $22 million has been directed toward programs serving survivors, resulting in an average of 3,100 service engagements annually.

Funding from the 2025 Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Survivor Services Request for Proposal will add 28 shelter and transitional housing beds, expand therapeutic and peer-based support options, and increase the number of skilled advocates available to survivors. The strategy focuses on survivor-led, culturally specific programs that address a wide range of needs, including recovery from trauma, substance use disorder, and systemic harm.

The City defines commercial sexual exploitation broadly, encompassing sex trafficking, prostitution, and sex work, where sex is exchanged for money, housing, safety, or other necessities. The funded programs reflect a nuanced approach that prioritizes self-determination and harm reduction.

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), which oversees anti-trafficking initiatives, awarded the contracts through a competitive application process launched in June. Fifteen agencies applied for over $8 million in funding. Proposals were evaluated by a panel of experts and community stakeholders on their ability to provide culturally responsive, survivor-centered care that fills existing service gaps.

Two organizations will begin Mobile Flexible Advocacy services this month. The Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) will receive $868,686 to launch a Black women-led, survivor-led coalition that includes partner groups such as the YWCA, Healing Byrd Therapy, Silent Task Force, Roni LifeWorks, and Survivors Inspire Solutions. Services will include mental health care, peer recovery support, and culturally informed healing options.

Seattle Indian Health Board will receive $228,400 to expand mobile advocacy and case management for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors. Their wraparound model integrates medical, behavioral health, and Traditional Indian Medicine.

Two additional contracts for shelter and transitional housing will begin in January 2026. Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST) will use its $402,914 award to expand shelter capacity with two emergency beds and three 90-day beds for survivors seeking a transition out of commercial sex work. Consejo Counseling and Referral Service will receive $200,000 to strengthen its transitional housing program, offering holistic services for survivors and their families.

“This investment reflects what survivors and providers have told us: help must be flexible, reduce harm, and be culturally sensitive,” said Seattle Human Services Director Tanya Kim. “We’re proud to fund programs that center self-determination and healing. Today’s awards deepen our partnership with organizations closest to the work. Together we’re building a more responsive system that keeps people safe and opens doors to stability.”

All four organizations will join a new CSE Collaborative Network led by HSD, which will coordinate services, share resources, and provide 24/7 referral and crisis support. The network includes community providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders focused on improving system-level responses.

Leaders from the selected organizations emphasized the importance of culturally grounded, community-driven care in supporting survivors.

“Systemic inequities and racism have made Native people and other communities of color disproportionately vulnerable to sex trafficking,” said Abigail Echo-Hawk of Seattle Indian Health Board. “One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work, which is why we are grateful for this award because it allows us to provide flexible, low-barrier, and culturally attuned services that truly meet survivors’ needs.”

Rekina Perry, Executive Director of the Organization for Prostitution Survivors, echoed the need for survivor-led programming that reflects lived experiences.

“This investment affirms that healing is possible when services honor our lived realities and are shaped by the leadership of those who have walked this path,” said Perry. “When services represent those who are most impacted and are survivor-centered and culturally responsive, they honor our identities, resilience, and communities—making real healing, stability, and the chance to exit exploitation possible.”