The Shelter for Abused Women & Children launches new emergency bed human trafficking program

NAPLES, Fla. (July 1, 2026) — The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is pleased to announce the opening of its new Emergency Bed Human Trafficking Program, effective July 1, 2026. The program expands access to immediate shelter and specialized services for survivors of human trafficking across Southwest and West Central Florida.

Certified through the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Human Trafficking Safe House Program, the new 35-day emergency residential program is designed to provide survivors with immediate safety, stabilization, and comprehensive support while serving as a bridge to longer-term recovery services. The program complements The Shelter’s existing 18-month Human Trafficking Residential Program, creating a continuum of care that addresses both urgent and ongoing needs.

The Shelter is one of only five organizations in Florida selected by the Department of Children and Families to launch this new initiative. The program will serve survivors from Collier, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas counties, expanding access to specialized, trauma-informed care for individuals escaping human trafficking.

“Our goal is to ensure that survivors have immediate access to safety and the services they need to begin healing,” said Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. “This new program strengthens our commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive care while expanding critical resources for survivors throughout our region.”

The Shelter has long been recognized for its comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, offering emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, legal services, children’s programs, and long-term residential support.

Individuals seeking information about the Emergency Bed Human Trafficking Program or those in need of immediate assistance can contact The Shelter’s 24-hour Hotline at 239-775-1101.

About The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

With offices in Naples and Immokalee, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children leads and collaborates with the community to Prevent, Protect & Prevail over domestic violence and human trafficking. The Shelter operates a 24-hour Crisis Line, two 60-bed emergency shelters, nine transitional living cottages, 16 transitional living apartments, and 30 programs and services in Collier County, FL. All in-house and outreach programs and services, training and education are provided free of charge. You can support The Shelter’s mission by shopping, donating, and/or volunteering at our resale store The Shelter Options Shoppe, 968 2nd Ave North in Naples. For more information, call 239-775-3862 or go online to naplesshelter.org