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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Call to Freedom breaks ground Thursday on a new housing facility in Sioux Falls for survivors of human trafficking.
The new facility will be on the Empower Campus, the former S.D. School for the Deaf.
The home will be a 12,060 square feet, 12-unit apartment complex that will support the recovery of human trafficking survivors and keep their families together.
Below is the news release from Call to Freedom.
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Sioux Falls, S.D. – Call to Freedom will break ground on a new supportive housing facility on Thursday, June 17th at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the Empower Campus, 1915 E. 8th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (the actual location of the complex is confidential to protect the safety of the Marissa’s House residents). The new Marissa’s House is scheduled to be complete by Spring of 2022.
The home will be a 12,060 square feet, 12-unit apartment complex that will support the recovery of human trafficking survivors and keep their families together. The secure complex will offer 6 one-bedroom, 3 two-bedroom, and 3 three-bedroom units for survivors and their families. Marissa’s housing project will meet the needs of survivors in our area who wish to receive the support of CTF during their recovery but are also focused on healthy families.
“One of the first things the Lord said to me was, ‘Unite A Community.’” shares Becky Rasmussen, Executive Director of Call to Freedom. “For our community, to believe that human trafficking is happening, giving it a voice, and being behind the cause really gives momentum and enables change. It also gives encouragement to the survivor that people do believe them and what has happened to them. Creating a safe environment for them to come forward.”
“CTF helped me with goals, food, and support. I finally feel safe and was able to get my daughter back after six years. I am finally able to say I am a great mom, daughter, and sister. Because of their amazing support and love I see how Call to Freedom helps so many people. Something that is greatly needed is additional space regarding housing because it is important to keep families together in a safe and supportive environment. I realized we lacked the space to grow as a family. I am sad to leave such an amazing home, but I have to because of lack of space at the current Marissa’s House,” says a CTF Survivor.
Call to Freedom is honored to partner with Eight Days of Hope, who will be present for interviews. They provide a refuge of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to human trafficking survivors. EDOH plans to bring 50 to 60 skilled professionals in the fall of 2021 and donate construction assistance to Call to Freedom as they build their safe house. To date, EDOH has completed 7 Safe House projects for 6 organizations across New York, Texas, Indiana, and Mississippi, with the help of over 300 volunteers.
