Encouraging Words from Major Sloan

It seems that Portland's international airport, maritime port, I-5 corridor, proximity to Canada, large urban sex industry and Oregon’s nearby abundant harvest fields all come together to make a “Perfect Storm” of Human Trafficking in Portland.  Human Trafficking? That is Slavery!  Surprised? So was I!

Trafficking is a societal problem of huge proportions! The problem involves more than the sex trade on 82nd avenue - although that is a big part of the domestic side of trafficking. Domestic because each day, young kids are being snatched and pimped into prostitution, often servicing 15-25 “Johns” per day, seven days per week. There are no days off in that business.
Trafficking is a lucrative criminal activity and is growing rapidly both in America and Internationally.  It’s estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year, with 14,500 to 17,500 of that number trafficked into the U.S.
The Salvation Army has made Human Trafficking an International area of action and has allocated resources and a full department to address the issue. But what does this mean to Portland? I think that the Army needs to be in the middle of the battle against this issue. That is our heritage and part of our mission! Our history is filled with addressing hurtful societal ills. Here is what Portland Metro Salvation Army is doing to date: 

• We are at the discussion table with government and other non profits (many Faith Based) attempting to assess and allocate resources to fight this evil in our midst.
• We recently convened a summit of Portland based groups working on the problem. Commissioner Christine MacMillan spoke to groups in Oregon, addressing the issue to bring awareness.

Obviously more needs to be done. Talking is only the start of doing something.  I am saddened by the problem; I saw a picture of a twelve year old girl forced into prostitution and I think of my own granddaughter and realize that each of these victims is somebody’s son or daughter. They deserve to be helped and treated as human beings.
When William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army saw men sleeping under the London Bridge, he said to his assistant, “Do Something!” The same words ring true today; WE must “Do Something” in order to do the Most Good!