Youth Facing Homelessness are Extremely Vulnerable to Human Trafficking

Traffickers use violence, threats, deception, and other manipulative tactics to trap millions of people worldwide. Children and youth experiencing homelessness are a prime target of this criminal industry.

homeless youth standing in cold | Covenant House - Human Trafficking

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against their will.

Every year, traffickers generate more than $150 billion in profits by victimizing millions of people worldwide. Vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation, children and youth experiencing homelessness are a prime target of this lucrative and criminal industry.

Two main factors drive the spread of human trafficking: high profits and low risk. Like drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking is a market-driven criminal industry based on the principles of supply and demand. No country is exempt from this illicit enterprise.

trafficked kid behind window covered in fence | Covenant House - Issues - Human Trafficking

20%

Nearly 20% of the people who find safety at Covenant House shelters are survivors of human trafficking in the US and Canada.

22%

Nearly 1 in 4 were approached for paid sex on their first night of homelessness.

31%

Almost a third of our shelter residents in the US and Canada who identify as LGBTQ+ have experienced trafficking.

How Does Covenant House Support Survivors of Human Trafficking?

We're doing more than ever to protect and safeguard young people victimized by human trafficking. We help young survivors transform their lives—not just for the time they are with us, but for a lifetime.

Unhoused Youth are Especially Vulnerable

Several Covenant House sites have collaborated with exceptional research partners to produce groundbreaking studies resulting in one of the largest-ever data sets on human trafficking and exploitation experiences of young people facing homelessness.

Young homeless girl on the street

Know the Issues That Drive Youth Homelessness

Young people experiencing homelessness face numerous challenges and barriers that hinder their journey toward sustainable independence and a hope-filled future.

youth alone on street | Covenant House - Issues - Human Trafficking

Help Youth Escape the Threat of Human Trafficking

Your support will ensure that young survivors at Covenant House will receive the care they need to heal, grow, and reach their potential.