Columbiana, AL July 2, 2021:

Blanket Fort Hope (BFH), a child slavery survivor advocate in Shelby County, AL, has completed the purchase of 73 acres off Highway 25 in Columbiana, AL and is planning to build a one-of-a-kind minor Restoration Home.

“There are more than 5,700 child victims of sex trafficking in Alabama every year, the majority of which never self-identify,” said Alexa James, Executive Director of Blanket Fort Hope. “And the ones that do, find themselves in homes unequipped to care for the intense trauma they have experienced. This Restoration Home will provide for their basic & therapeutic needs, while maintaining a loving Christian witness that will accept any child, regardless of background.” Given that there are fewer than 700 beds nationwide, and fewer than 25 beds proposed for Alabama in the next 2 years, Blanket Fort Hope is stepping up to serve 9 child survivors at a time, with the ability to expand that reach with the construction of additional Therapeutic Foster Care Cottages.

“Children are the most common victims of human trafficking. Crisis centers are needed to provide hands-on, face to face help to those who are the most vulnerable in our state. This underserved group of victims desperately needs this help in Alabama,” said Cam Ward (R), Alabama State Senator.

Within the first 120 days of a child living at this restoration home, they will receive:

• On- & Off-site Programs
• DHR Trauma Licensing
• DHR Foster Placement Licensing
• On- & Off-site House Parents
• On-site Social Worker
• Trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Transitional Living Assistance
• Psychological Trauma Assessment
• Family Restoration Assistance
• Mental Health Planning
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Access to K-12, GED, and Collegiate Resources
• Equestrian & K-9 Therapeutic Program

As a child begins to be restored, they will move into ongoing Therapeutic Foster Care, with access to Transitional Living Services, while always being able to take advantage of Blanket Fort Hope’s resources. Construction is set to begin in 2022 and is projected to cost around $1.2 million. This will cover construction & first year staffing. Restoration costs for each child is estimated to be around $2,500 per month. Blanket Fort Hope is prayerfully entering into a season of fundraising, trusting that God and their community will compassionately respond to this urgent need.