An HPD sting operation rescued 80 women from sex trafficking across nine bars. Still, officials called it just a “drop in the ocean.” Houston remains a major hub for human trafficking due to its proximity to the border, extensive transportation networks, and more illicit sex venues than Starbucks and McDonald’s combined. Many victims were trafficked as children, trapped in cycles of addiction, abuse, and deep trauma.  

Elijah Rising stands on the front lines of this crisis, fighting to end sex trafficking and supporting survivors on their path to healing. Our four pillars are programs that focus on actively loving those trapped in sexual exploitation.  

Prayer: We began as a prayer meeting, and prayer has always been at the core of everything Elijah Rising does. Our first response to the injustice of human trafficking was and is to gather for prayer and worship every single weekday morning as a staff.  We also hold weekly community-wide prayer events.

Awareness & Advocacy: We equip churches, schools, and community groups to recognize and respond to trafficking through educational van tours, the Elijah Rising Podcast, and a digital museum that brings awareness to this issue. 

Intervention: Our trained street teams conduct weekly outreach to women being trafficked, building trust and offering resources. We also partner with law enforcement and other nonprofits to coordinate crisis responses.

Restorative Care: The Elijah Rising Restorative Care Program (ERRC) offers long-term, trauma-informed residential recovery for women survivors of sex trafficking. Since launching the ERRC in 2018, Elijah Rising has served over 130 survivors and their children.  Services provided include:

• 24/7 safe housing
• On-site licensed 
• clinical therapy
• Addiction recovery coaching
• GED and vocational education
• Workforce development partnerships
• Dental and medical care
• Legal representation

Transitional Housing Program (ERTP): In response to persistent gaps in post-program support (housing in particular), Elijah Rising has expanded its continuum of care to include transitional housing. Survivors exiting long-term restoration face significant barriers such as poor credit, lack of rental history, and limited employment access. Our Transitional Housing Program addresses these through affordable housing, continued case management, financial education, and employment coaching. Participants pay graduated rent, helping them build independence and positive rental history.

Over the past 14 years, Elijah Rising has provided love and care to thousands of women who are being sexually exploited. Our ten-year strategic plan includes opening an emergency shelter and multiple other homes, providing the care Survivors need to fully take back their lives and become truly independent and productive members of society.