Disaster does not create trafficking, but it can rapidly expand the conditions traffickers exploit. In the first 72 hours, systems are strained, normal patterns break down, and communities often operate with limited visibility. That window matters.
Early coordination and a disciplined presence in that window can reduce risk before instability hardens into something worse. Millstone’s mission is built around that critical period.
Human trafficking spikes during natural disasters, because local public safety professionals are distracted by the emergency at hand. Smaller jurisdictions along known trafficking routes are most affected, due to limited resources.
The Millstone Foundation closes that gap. We provide proven training at no cost to small jurisdictions in areas of the continental United States that are subject to natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe storms) and that sit within known human-trafficking corridors.
The risk does not begin or end with the storm. Millstone’s support is built to run the full arc of a critical event.
Before disasters: we work with first responders, agencies, and community organizations in advance, so they know what trafficking looks like in a disaster. Before anything happens, we help them build plans, run training, and add practical safeguards into existing systems, so it is harder for traffickers to move unseen when a crisis comes.
During disasters: as signs of crisis mount and events unfold, we respond to requests from agencies, NGOs, and communities. When invited in and where the law allows, we join trusted partners on the ground to help prevent trafficking, support the safe movement and sheltering of people, and provide operational support so existing teams are not carrying the load alone.
After disasters: when the immediate emergency begins to pass, the risk does not disappear with it. Millstone works with agencies, organizations, and communities to identify lingering vulnerabilities and strengthen readiness through follow-up support and lessons carried into the next event.
