PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia officially launched its Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Campaign in advance of the big events the City is hosting in 2026, and announced the two organizations selected to lead the development and deployment of the campaign: The Salvation Army and Chatterblast Media. Together, they will partner with STOP THE TRAFFIK and other stakeholders in the anti-human trafficking space to deliver training, resources, and coordination which will run from mid-May through early August.
“We are on the cusp of one of the biggest summers this city will have seen in decades, and while large-scale international events bring visitors and economic activity, revenue and business that our city needs, they can also create exploitable conditions for traffickers,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We have an opportunity to proactively address this risk, and this coordinated, citywide initiative brings together leading organizations across prevention, response, and education to address human trafficking through a unified, data-informed approach.”
“I am proud to see this Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Campaign, funded by the $500,000 I allocated to the budget, off the ground and moving forward,” said Councilmember-at-Large Nina Ahmad. “2026 is a critical time for Philadelphia with America250, the World Cup, the All-Star Game, and more coming to our great city. With an increased risk during events like these, City Council is sending a clear message that we will not accept human trafficking in our city, and we will fight to keep every visitor and resident safe in 2026 and beyond.”
The City’s Human Trafficking Prevention & Awareness Campaign will be designed to increase awareness, encourage help-seeking, equip front line businesses and individuals, and deter demand. The Salvation Army’s New Day to Stop Trafficking (NDST) program will deliver mobile survivor-centered case management and coordinated resource support including specialized beds for the benefit of mobile service recipients, thus guaranteeing a safe respite, and training and education for City departments and the business community at large.
“Human trafficking remains a persistent and often hidden public safety issue in our city, and while it can and does affect everyone, it disproportionately affects those experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, prior trauma, and economic instability – those our office serves every day,” said Adam Geer, Chief Public Safety Director, Office of Public Safety. “The data shows that the risk of both sex and labor trafficking increases around major events, which underscores the urgent need for coordinated prevention and response efforts like this campaign.”
Chatterblast Media will work in tandem with Salvation Army’s NDST and direct the effort, bringing in STOP THE TRAFFIK, a globally recognized organization with more than 20 years of experience preventing modern slavery and human trafficking through a proven, intelligence-led prevention model powered by the Traffik Analysis Hub, the world’s richest dataset on human trafficking. Their global analysis demonstrates how trafficking patterns intensify around major international events and how data-informed prevention can disrupt exploitation before harm occurs.
As a Philadelphia-based agency with deep experience working with City departments, public safety initiatives, tourism organizations, and major civic campaigns, ChatterBlast brings strong local knowledge and an understanding of how to effectively communicate with residents, visitors, and the business community. STOP THE TRAFFIK will lead research, data analysis, trafficking trend assessment, survivor-centered messaging guidance, and training content development. ChatterBlast will translate these insights into locally resonant media, localize and support training, and manage coordination with the City to ensure all materials and trainings are culturally responsible and actionable.
“As we prepare for a historic summer in Philadelphia, this work is about staying ahead of the challenges that come with it,” said Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel, Philadelphia Police Department. “Human trafficking is often hidden, but its impact is real and devastating. Through strong partnerships, shared intelligence, and a commitment to prevention, intervention, and enforcement, we are making it clear that exploitation will not be tolerated in our City. This is our work – and together, we will continue to protect those most vulnerable while ensuring Philadelphia remains safe for residents and visitors alike.”
The Salvation Army is positioned to meet the needs of this campaign as an institution with an active program in Philadelphia, New Day to Stop Trafficking, solely and comprehensively focused on addressing human trafficking, with years of specialized experience, established infrastructure, and deep cross-sector partnerships. This program offers a fully integrated continuum of services for individuals exploited through human trafficking, grounded in survivor leadership, trauma-informed care, and data-driven practice, designed to meet survivors where they are and support long-term independence.
The New Day Drop-In (NDDI) Center serves women exploited by the commercial sex industry in the Kensington neighborhood, providing a consistent, safe, and welcoming environment rooted in dignity and trust.
“Through our New Day to Stop Trafficking program, we meet survivors where they are, whether that is through street outreach, our 24-hour hotline or mobile case management, and connect them to the care and support they need in real time,” said Capt. Felicia Lyle, area commander of The Salvation Army in Greater Philadelphia. “This funding allows us to expand that work, strengthen coordination across systems and ensure more survivors can access critical services and a path toward long-term stability. We are grateful for the City’s investment and the strong network of partners who make this work possible.”
Help is available if you need assistance: call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or Text INFO to 233733.