‘Hope Brews’: Central Florida nonprofit aims to fight human trafficking

ORLANDO, Fla. — Experts say human trafficking can happen anywhere and knowing the signs could save lives.

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So a Central Florida nonprofit is fighting back against the growing problem in a somewhat unconventional way.

Samaritan Village — which aims to help survivors of sex trafficking — has expanded its education to staff at certain area businesses.

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It recently launched a campaign called “Hope Brews.”

The campaign targets bars, breweries and even coffee shops.

Executive Director Dee Coleman told Eyewitness News’ Christy Turner that human trafficking is a problem hidden in plain sight.

“Certainly bars, places of night, entertainment ... are definitely grooming grounds for victims of domestic violence and trafficking.”

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And she said it’s happening close to home.

“Florida ranks third in the nation for reported cases of trafficking. Orange County ranks one of the highest counties in our state.”

“Our hope is that at the end of June, there will be hundreds of bartenders and staff and service industry that will go, I know who to call and what to do if I see that,” Coleman said of “Hope Brews.”

As part of the initiative, staff will be trained to spot the signs of human trafficking — essentially, becoming the eyes and ears out in the community.

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So far, at least eight local breweries have joined the campaign and Coleman is calling on more businesses to take a stand against human trafficking.

“The more of us that see something and know what it really looks like here in the Central Florida area, the more that can be done about it.”

If you’d like to learn more about “Hope Brews” and get involved in the initiative, click here.

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