Human Trafficking drop-in center offering new classes in January as they continue to see more of a need for help

CAMBRIDGE Md.- With a new year right around the corner,  Harriett’s House Inc., a human trafficking drop-in center in Cambridge, is planning to offer new services for their clients starting in January.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do since the beginning but of course with COVID and the restrictions on social distancing we weren’t able to do that at our drop in center,” Julie Crain, Founder and Executive Director of Harriett’s House, said.

The non-profit was able to secure a spot at the River Church, to be able to offer skill development classes, which include healthy relationships, health and wellness and Human Trafficking 101.

“These will help people that we serve to be able to grow, to be able to heal, and to be able to set boundaries to take care of themselves,” Crain said.

We are told these classes are coming at a time when across the nation human trafficking and exploitation are becoming more common.

“It’s mainly because people in desperate situations will do anything to be able to provide for their families, to be able to keep shelter or food on the table,” Crain said.

Crain adds that she has seen an increase in the amount of people who need emergency housing in the last few months.

“So as we move forward in 2021, that is one of our main goals is to provide that residential care and to start off with the emergency housing aspect of it, Crain said.

Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce President Bill Chambers said the efforts of Harriet’s House don’t go unnoticed.

He said ultimately, their work is what is going to help put an end to human trafficking.

“We didn’t have anybody really addressing or attacking them, and for her to expand the program to do more outreach and then ultimately get into the residential programs, they’re going to get into are going to be great for the community,” Chambers said.

Classes will start the second Wednesday in January at 11 am for their clients.

We are told they will also be offering a support groups with creative workshops with art and dance to promote healing for women who have been sexually abused.