Local nonprofit to open first home for human trafficking victims in Southeast Wisconsin

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A local nonprofit is opening a first-of-its-kind home for human trafficking victims in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Redeem and Restore Center bought a house in Waukesha last summer with the hopes of turning it into a restorative space for women who escape these dangerous situations.

The house can welcome up to eight women for up to 24 months, for free.

"The point is to provide everything they need to help them begin again," Redeem and Restore Center President Chaplain Krista Hull said.

Jennifer Rundell, CEO of Rundell Redesign, is in charge of making the house feel like a home.

For some, this may be their first home.

"It’s the right combination of textures and colors and design that create the feel of that space," Rundell said.

The house includes four bedrooms, a living space, a kitchen, a dining area, a quiet space, and an education center.

"Where women can learn how to do everything... all the skills nobody took the time to teach them," Rundell said.

During their stay, Hull will help connect the women with resources and support to build a good foundation for a new life.

"Their physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual needs, all in tandem at the same time," Hull said.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 95 cases in Wisconsin in 2021.

"Victims are diverse. They come from all of our communities," Jan Miyasaki, director of Project Respect in the Wisconsin Department of Justice, said.

Victims of human trafficking can seek help by calling the national hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Redeem and Restore Center is accepting donations and volunteers to help bring this house to life. For more information, click here.