Stable housing is a critical first step in a survivor’s journey toward healing and independence. In 2001, Breaking Free partnered with the Minnesota Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to open its first permanent housing facility for survivors of sex trafficking. Today, we provide safe, stable housing for survivors and their children across the greater metro area through three master-leased buildings in Saint Paul and partnerships with landlords in Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka counties.​

 

Our Long-Term Housing Program is designed to offer safety and stability, allowing residents to remain as long as needed, without time limits imposed by funding restrictions. This survivor-centered approach ensures access to essential services and a supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives at their own pace.​

 

Types of Housing Available:

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• Master-Leased Housing – Apartments leased by Breaking Free to provide survivors and their families with secure, immediate housing.

• Scattered-Site Housing – Housing placements in private rental units across the metro area, offering flexibility and integration into the community.​​​

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Safe Harbor Program

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Breaking Free is part of Minnesota’s Safe Harbor Program, a statewide initiative that ensures young survivors (ages 24 and under) are treated as victims, not criminals, and receive access to specialized housing and support services. Through Safe Harbor, we connect youth survivors with trauma-informed care, legal advocacy, and educational resources, helping them transition into stable housing and long-term recovery.

 

Through partnerships with local agencies, organizations, and community members, Breaking Free ensures that survivors receive relevant, meaningful information in a welcoming and supportive environment. This process allows survivors to reflect on their past, assess their present, and set goals for their future, all within engaging sessions designed to foster self-discovery and empowerment.​

 

By combining safe housing with comprehensive support services, Breaking Free empowers survivors to reclaim their lives, achieve stability, and work toward self-sufficiency.