Understanding The Need

In Maine, human trafficking, trauma, and incarceration are often connected to housing instability, poverty, and systemic barriers—creating complex challenges that require coordinated, compassionate support.

Woman with long brown hair breathing with her hand to her chest

The Need

Human trafficking happens in Maine—and it often doesn’t look the way people expect. It can be hidden within relationships, tied to survival needs, or shaped by circumstances like poverty, housing instability, and past trauma. Many survivors are exploited by someone they know, not a stranger.

Survivors are often navigating these experiences quietly, without access to the support they need.

At Saint Andre Home, we see that trafficking rarely exists on its own. It is connected to other challenges, including domestic violence, sexual assault, substance use, and involvement with the criminal justice system. These experiences overlap and build on one another, making it harder for individuals to find safety and move forward.

Complex, Overlapping Challenges

The people we serve are often facing multiple barriers at the same time:

  • Exploitation or trafficking

  • Trauma from domestic violence or sexual assault

  • Housing instability or homelessness

  • Substance use and recovery needs

  • Limited income or employment opportunities

  • Past or current involvement with the criminal justice system

These are not separate issues—they are often deeply connected. Addressing one without the others often leaves survivors without a clear path forward.

Why Support Systems Fall Short

Many services exist to help, but they are often disconnected. Individuals may need to visit multiple agencies to access food, clothing, shelter, counseling, transportation, and employment, all while navigating complex systems during a time of crisis.

For those with the greatest need, barriers can be even higher. Requirements around housing, sobriety, or criminal history can sometimes make it difficult to qualify for support. Without coordinated, trauma-informed care, many people fall through the gaps.

What Survivors Need

Healing and stability require more than a single service. Survivors need:

  • Immediate safety and basic necessities

  • Stable, supportive housing

  • Access to mental and behavioral health care

  • Trusted relationships and consistent support

  • Help navigating systems and building independence

These needs don’t happen one at a time—they happen all at once.

Our Response

For more than 85 years, Saint Andre Home has evolved to meet the changing needs of Maine communities. Today, through our CourageLIVES and Esther Residence programs, we provide a comprehensive, community-based model of care that brings services together in one place.

By offering coordinated support—from basic needs and housing to counseling, case management, and long-term stability—we help reduce barriers and create a clearer path forward.

We believe everyone deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild a life that is fully their own.

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Our Impact
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U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against their will. 

Human trafficking and exploitation affect individuals across the country—and here in Maine. While data only captures reported cases, it helps shed light on the scope of the issue and the need for accessible, coordinated support.