Anti-Human Trafficking Outreach Event Targets Clearwater Hotels

CLEARWATER, FL — Hotels and motels across Clearwater are the focus of a new outreach aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking and connecting potential victims with help.

Selah Freedom, a Sarasota-based organization working to end sex and human trafficking, partnered with The SOAP Project for the outreach events on Tuesday and Thursday. Their work will pick up again on May 28 and hopefully continue on a monthly basis, Misty Halsey, outreach coordinator for Selah Freedom, told Patch.

The effort is bringing hotline-labeled soap, makeup remover wipes and educational materials to these local hotels.

Volunteers will also engage hotel staff and community members about how to recognize signs of trafficking and how to respond.

The SOAP Project, a national anti-trafficking nonprofit founded by survivor Theresa Flores, developed the model used in the outreach.

Halsey said that the partnership grew out of work she did in Houston during the 2017 Super Bowl, when she first learned about the SOAP Project

“I was like, well, why can't we bring this here, you know, and start to reach out to people in our own community?” she said.

The group chose Clearwater as the first targeted area for the outreach because “we know there's not a lot of resources in those areas,” Halsey said. “I don't think there's anybody else doing the hotel, motel outreach on this level.”

Teams will provide warning sign cards for front desk and housekeeping staff in English and Spanish, along with items carrying the National Human Trafficking Hotline number.

“A small bar of soap, they could easily slip into, you know, a piece of clothing, and if they are allowed to go to a nearby restaurant or something, they could have the number to call and get help,” she said.

Selah Freedom is seeking volunteers for June and other future outreach events, as well as donations of soaps, wipes, and tote bags.

“My desire is to keep it going so that we build long-term relationships with hotel managers and staff so that they know that there are resources out there and become better at identifying potential human trafficking situations or even, you know, missing or abducted kids,” Halsey said.

Those interested in getting involved in the project may contact Halsey at Misty@selahfreedom.com.