Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, recently visited Blanket Fort Hope in Shelby County, AL to learn more about the organization’s work to provide housing and faith-based resources to child survivors of human trafficking. Blanket Fort Hope works directly with child survivors, providing care and long-term support while also educating communities about the warning signs of human trafficking.
“Visting Blanket Fort Hope was a meaningful reminder of the difference that dedicated organizations can make in the lives of human trafficking victims. I am grateful for the work they do every day to provide protection and bring safety to the children they serve,” Allen said. “I am thankful that I was able to meet with Blanket Fort Hope’s CEO and Founder, Alexa James, and her team. They do incredible work that impacts our state in a powerful way.”
Secretary Allen’s visit highlights the importance of partnerships in the fight against human trafficking. Last year, Secretary Allen, in partnership with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, launched the Alabama Combats Trafficking (ACT) program to engage Alabama businesses in the fight against human trafficking by providing resources to help Alabama communities recognize and report potential instances of human trafficking.
“Through ACT, we are giving Alabama businesses and everyday citizens another tool to help identify human trafficking and potentially save lives. I encourage businesses across our state to get involved with ACT, learn the signs of human trafficking, and help make Alabama a safer place,” Allen said.
Alabama businesses can sign up to participate in ACT by completing an application at this link: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/act/get-involved. The Secretary of State’s website will feature participating businesses and their address. They will also be provided information that will save lives with tips on identifying and stopping trafficking, and a decal to place in a visible location at their business.
Wes Allen is Alabama’s 54th Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is Alabama’s Chief Elections Official. Additionally, Alabama law gives the Secretary of State more than 1,000 different duties. To learn more about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities and duties visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
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*Secretary of State Wes Allen’s official photograph: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/AllenBioHighRes.jpg
