Investing Wisely in Anti-Trafficking Shelters
As we approach giving season, we want to help donors and foundations make informed decisions. If you are inspired to support the anti-trafficking movement, we encourage you to do so—but also want to provide practical guidance on how to make investments that have a meaningful impact for survivors. The Institute for Survivor Care has been working in the anti-trafficking field for 19 years, focused on improving both access to and quality of care for survivors. Based on research and field experience, here are key insights to consider as you evaluate potential investments
Understanding the Shelter Landscape
in the United States:
- Operating out of a typical suburban home
- 12 full-time staff; 5 part-time staff and 22 regular volunteers
- $1.1 million annual budget
- 87% of funding comes from individuals or churches
Explore the national shelter landscape using the Institute’s interactive map: CLICK HERE
250
Shelter Programs
IN U.S.
65%
Shelter Programs
identify as faith-based
6
States have no
shelters
7
States have one
shelters
Should You Restrict Your Giving
to a Geographic Area?
Many donors hope to support survivors close to home. However, survivors often need to relocate for safety and healing, and 95% of shelters accept survivors from anywhere. Restricting gifts to one geography may not mean serving local survivors. By keeping your giving flexible, you can ensure survivors access care wherever it is most needed.
Should You Restrict Your Giving
to a Type of Shelter?
Shelters vary widely in focus. Some specialize in emergency or short-term care, while others offer long-term residential, transitional, or specialized services for minors, women with children, or high-acuity survivors. Aligning your giving with the type of shelter or population you want to support can maximize your impact.
Should You Restrict Your Giving
to a Program or Project?
In addition to residential care, shelters often run programs that might be of interest to you and good way to target your giving. These programs might include:
- Awareness and prevention initiatives
- Outreach and victim identification programs
- Vocational training or micro-enterprise projects
- Academic preparation and tutoring
- Therapeutic services such as art, equine,
or music therapy - Supporting these initiatives can strengthen survivor outcomes beyond housing.
The Best Kind of Gift
The most impactful contributions are those that:
-
Span at least three years, tied to measurable goals
-
Are general operating support or only loosely restricted
-
Serve as challenge grants to inspire other donors
-
Require annual reporting to ensure accountability
Strong shelters typically demonstrate:
- Active, engaged leadership and board governance
- Clear intake and exit protocols
- Standards in staff recruitment, training,
and evaluation - Evidence of lessons learned and
willingness to adapt - Legal and organizational transparency
- References from trusted peers
What’s “Normal” in Shelter Operations
- Staff turnover: Average staff tenure is 1.7 years.
- Referral declines: Shelters may receive 30+ referrals a year but accept about 10, as fit and safety are prioritized over occupancy.
- Occupancy fluctuation: Bed use often hovers around 55%.
- Emergency calls: Police or ambulance visits may occur and are not unusual.
- Criticism or bad fit? Due to the challenges of this work, shelters may face criticism from former residents, families, or volunteers. You should feel free to ask questions or investitgate.
What Might Give You Pause
In addition to residential care, shelters often run programs that might be of interest to you and good way to target your giving. These programs might include:
-
Run multiple programs without a proven
track record -
Share stories but not data
-
Lack active local partnerships or broader connections
-
Operate without accountability to the wider shelter community
For start-ups, consider whether leaders have
prior experience, community data to support need, humility to seek peer input, and realistic growth goals.