Tharros Place gives update on upcoming shelter to serve trafficking victims
A nonprofit organization helping young victims of human trafficking gave updates on an event they're hosting throughout the month and progress on their upcoming residential facility.
Kate Templeton, the outreach coordinator for Tharros Place, said it's her mission to let residents know human trafficking is a prevalent issue in the Chatham County community.
She said there were over 700 reported cases of human trafficking of minors across Georgia in 2022, and with only 55 shelter beds statewide for victims, the need for a facility is apparent.
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"We really want them to feel like they belong in Chatham County and feel safe in their own communities. If they have been victimized here, they may not feel safe, so we really want to create that culture of courage and ensure that they feel happy about themselves and can envision a life post-trafficking," Templeton said.
She said the 12-bed residential facility is in an undisclosed location in Pooler, and they hope to see it open by September of this year.
Templeton added that they are hosting a series of virtual Lunch and Learn events throughout May, going over the topic of trafficking with tourism, healthcare, and parenting communities.
You can visit their website to register for one of these events.
