How One Nonprofit Is Changing the Way We Fight Human Trafficking

(NAPSI)—An estimated 49.6 million people are experiencing forced labor or forced marriage on any given day worldwide. (Source: International Labour Organization, Walk Free, and IOM, 2022)

Human trafficking is a crime that exploits individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of labor or commercial sex. It affects people of all backgrounds and occurs in every U.S. state—often in ways that remain hidden in plain sight.

For the past 20 years, one Colorado nonprofit has helped lead a stronger, survivor-centered response—through research, training, and crisis support. Since 2005, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) has trained over 80,000 professionals and community members, answered more than 6,000 calls and texts through Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline, and mentored more than 200 future human rights leaders through its unique Leadership Development Program.

“Twenty years can make a real difference—and it has,” said Amanda Finger, LCHT’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. “When we first launched, there was little statewide infrastructure to respond to trafficking. Today, Colorado is more equipped than ever—because of survivors, advocates, and the partnerships we’ve built over time.”

Behind every hotline call is a person seeking safety, answers, and hope. The organization’s model—grounded in data, equity, and survivor voice—has become a national example of how local communities can lead lasting change.

LCHT’s statewide research initiative, The Colorado Project, most recently found that housing insecurity remains a top risk factor for trafficking, and that labor trafficking continues to be under-identified, especially among immigrant workers.

“Trafficking is both a crime and a systemic injustice,” added Dr. Annjanette Alejano-Steele, LCHT’s Co-Founder and Research Director. “When communities center survivor voices and use data to drive change, we move closer to real solutions.”

As LCHT celebrates 20 years of progress, it’s calling on individuals across Colorado—and beyond—to help sustain and grow this work.

Help a Survivor Reach the Hotline

LCHT operates entirely through the generosity of donors. A gift directly supports Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline—connecting survivors with help, safety, and a path forward. Even $10 or $20 can make a difference today. Scan the QR code or visit combathumantrafficking.org/giving to donate or learn how your community can take action locally on ending human trafficking.

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 "“People have rights to the money that they earned, to leave an employer, to access the resources they need to build better lives,” says Amanda Finger, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) Co-Founder and Executive Director."