Department of Justice Awards Over $35 Million to Provide Housing to Victims of Human Trafficking
At the White House yesterday, Attorney General William P. Barr and Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump announced that the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), awarded $35,104,338 in grant funding to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a barbaric criminal enterprise that subjects its victims to unspeakable cruelty and deprives them of the most basic of human needs, none more essential than a safe place to live,” said Attorney General Barr. “Throughout this Administration, the Department of Justice has fought aggressively to bring human traffickers to justice and to deliver critical aid to trafficking survivors. These new resources, announced today, expand on our efforts to offer those who have suffered the shelter and support they need to begin a new and better life.”
“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, combating human trafficking in the U.S. and abroad is critical work. DOJ’s grant recipients are on the frontlines of this fight, ensuring that survivors across our country are afforded safe and stable housing and empowered with the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives,” said Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump. “I am incredibly honored to join Attorney General Barr to highlight these organizations and their tireless and vital work.”
The grants will go to 73 organizations to provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grants will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment, as well as occupational training and counseling.
To view the full press release from the Department of Justice, click here.
To view a video snapshot of the roundtable event where this announcement was made, click here.
The Office of Justice Programs, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
President Donald J. Trump Is Expanding Access to Telehealth Services and Ensuring Continued Access to Healthcare for Rural Americans
EXPANDING TELEHEALTH SERVICES: President Donald J. Trump is unleashing America’s innovation to provide millions of citizens with healthcare services during a global pandemic.
On August 3rd , President Trump signed a new Executive Order on Improving Rural Health and Telehealth access. This further expands access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural communities. Through this order, the President is also taking action to extend the availability of certain telehealth services after the current public health emergency ends.
Likewise, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense have taken action to expand telehealth services for veterans, active military, and their families.
IMPROVING RURAL HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY: The President is using every tool to ensure rural Americans have access to medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The expansion of telehealth services especially offers benefits to Americans living in rural communities, who might otherwise not have access to these services.
KEEPING AMERICANS SAFE AND HEALTHY: President Trump is delivering a vast array of strong actions to protect the health of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Last month, President Trump signed four Executive Orders to help lower prescription drug costs for Americans.
To empower patients to choose the best doctor at the best price, President Trump is giving Americans transparency with the price and quality of services before care is received.
President Trump stopped surprise medical billing during the pandemic by prohibiting physicians and other providers accepting funds from the Provider Relief Fund from balance billing patients for COVID-19 testing and care.
To view the Executive Order, click here.
To view full fact sheet, click here.