Orange County commissioners have unanimously renewed a $3.75 million, five-year contract to continue operating the county’s only dedicated safe house for adult human trafficking survivors — and it is a milestone worth recognizing.

Aspire Health Partners, Florida’s largest behavioral health nonprofit, will continue operating the county-owned, 10-bed facility through approximately 2031. Since launching in January 2018, the program has sheltered more than 380 survivors and provided over 32,430 residential bed days of specialized, trauma-informed care.

WFTV covered the story and what this renewed commitment means for the region. Watch their full coverage here.

Why This Program Matters

General shelters are not equipped to meet the complex needs of trafficking survivors. Many carry severe PTSD and deep distrust of service providers — making specialized, trauma-informed care essential from the very first moment of contact. This program provides exactly that, including therapy, medical services, education, job training, and help securing long-term housing.

The Need Is Growing

Tuesday’s vote was a renewal, not an expansion — and 10 beds are not enough. UA’s Hope Line receives daily calls from individuals and organizations searching for adult residential placement.

Florida’s National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 832 trafficking cases and 1,874 victims statewide in 2024 alone. The work ahead is clear.

United Abolitionists is grateful to Orange County, Aspire Health Partners, and every advocate who helped make this renewal possible. We will keep pushing for the expanded capacity survivors deserve.

For the full story, read the original coverage from the Orlando Monitor.

Together we can stop human trafficking.

Freedom 4ALL, United Abolitionists