Tennessee nonprofit raises funds for trafficking survivor housing

Funds of Freedom held its inaugural gala Sept. 10 in Arrington, Tenn., to support safe housing for women and children rescued from sex trafficking. The nonprofit says the effort will help fund a home in Atlanta now and could lead to a dedicated survivor facility in Nashville later.

Why it matters: - Transitional housing for trafficking survivors remains underfunded across the Southeast. - Middle Tennessee does not have a dedicated safe home for trafficking survivors. - Funds from the gala are meant to help survivors move from rescue to long-term stability, including housing, healing and income opportunities.

What happened: - Funds of Freedom hosted the High Stakes for Freedom Gala on Sept. 10 at The Barn at Sycamore Farms in Arrington, about 30 miles south of Nashville. - The event was the nonprofit’s first major fundraising push for survivor housing. - Matt Rogers, the Tennessee Titans’ public address announcer, hosted the evening. - The event raised money for The Freedom Collective to purchase a safe home for survivors in Atlanta. - The organization says a dedicated Nashville facility is part of its long-term plan.

The details: - Funds of Freedom is a registered 501(c)(3) founded by financial educator Michael Lush and the Replace Your University team. - Lush does not take a salary from the nonprofit, and no donated funds are set aside for executive compensation. - Funds of Freedom works with The Freedom Collective, which runs rescue and rehabilitation programs. - The gala featured charity casino gaming using Charity Checks redeemable for prizes. - The evening also included a premium buffet from TN Craft Butcher, an Angel’s Envy bourbon tasting, desserts from Cowboy Cannolis and silent and live auctions. - Auction items included travel packages, memorabilia, jewelry, handbags and unique experiences. - All proceeds go to survivor housing through The Freedom Collective. - About 200 seats remained available for the inaugural event. - Sponsorships, auction donations and volunteer roles were also open. - Tickets and sponsorship information were available at event details. - The event page was also available on Facebook. - Contributions of auction items, table sponsorships and volunteer help could be arranged through the event website.

Between the lines: - Lush is positioning Funds of Freedom as a low-overhead charity with donations flowing directly to services for survivors. - The focus on housing reflects a gap that remains after rescue operations end. - Tennessee’s trafficking problem is large enough that the state ranks among the top states for reported cases on the National Human Trafficking Hotline. - More than 300 trafficking cases were reported in Tennessee in 2023. - Advocacy groups say the real number is higher because many cases go unreported. - Human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion in annual profits worldwide, according to the International Labour Organization.

What’s next: - Funds of Freedom plans to keep raising money for The Freedom Collective’s Atlanta home. - The nonprofit is also working toward a future safe home in Nashville. - The organization is still looking for business owners, community leaders, philanthropists, faith groups and local residents to support the mission. - Sponsorship opportunities, auction donations and volunteer positions remain available.

The bottom line: - Funds of Freedom is betting that survivor recovery depends on more than rescue. It also depends on a stable place to live and rebuild.