New housing designed for human trafficking survivors

Call to Freedom will break ground this week to mark construction of a new home for survivors of human trafficking.

Marissa’s House is being built at an undisclosed location for the protection of those who will stay there.

The home will be a 12,060-square-foot, 12-unit apartment complex that will support the recovery of human trafficking survivors and keep their families together.

The secure complex will offer six one-bedroom, three two-bedroom and three three-bedroom units for survivors and their families. Those who stay there can receive support from Call to Freedom but also focus on building healthy families.

“One of the first things the Lord said to me was ‘Unite a community,’ ” said Becky Rasmussen, executive director of Call to Freedom. “For our community to believe that human trafficking is happening, giving it a voice and being behind the cause really gives momentum and enables change. It also gives encouragement to the survivors that people do believe them and what has happened to them, creating a safe environment for them to come forward.”

The current Marissa’s House offers seven apartments but is out of space. It’s named for a teenage girl Rasmussen met at the Sturgis Bike Rally in 2015.

“Something that is greatly needed is additional space regarding housing because it is important to keep families together in a safe and supportive environment. I realized we lacked the space to grow as a family,” one survivor said in a statement. “I am sad to leave such an amazing home, but I have to because of lack of space at the current Marissa’s House.”

The new home is scheduled to be done by the spring of 2022.

Call to Freedom also is partnering with the national nonprofit Eight Days of Hope, which plans to bring 50 to 60 skilled professionals in the fall and donate construction assistance to Call to Freedom as it builds the safe house. The organization has completed seven similar projects across New York, Texas, Indiana and Mississippi with the help of more than 300 volunteers.