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Creative Moments and Healing Connections

In May, guests at REST’s shelter experienced meaningful moments of creativity, connection, and care. From puzzles and art projects around the table to a special tea party “share and show” event, guests found space for self-expression, calm, and community. Read the full blog to see how simple moments of beauty and creativity helped create room for healing at REST.

Creative Moments and Healing Connections
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How REST Is Preparing for Seattle’s 2026 Global ...

As Seattle prepares for a major global soccer event, REST is preparing to meet the moment with awareness, outreach, and survivor-centered support. Learn why large events make community preparedness so important, what REST is doing to strengthen response, and how you can help survivors know there is a safe place to turn.

How REST Is Preparing for Seattle’s 2026 Global Soccer Events
REST Updates
REST
Gathering in Community and Growing in Hope

Healing does not always happen in obvious ways. Sometimes it looks like gathering around a table for Easter dinner, joining a supportive conversation, or laughing together over banana splits. In April, REST shelter guests experienced meaningful moments of joy, connection, and care that helped create space for hope. Read more about how these moments are supporting healing at REST.

Gathering in Community and Growing in Hope
REST Updates
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Creating Belonging, Healing, and Possibility

Camp REST created space for belonging, healing, and possibility in March. From shared meals and creative activities to a restorative visit to Salish Lodge, guests experienced moments of connection, care, and encouragement. The month also marked meaningful transitions as two guests took important next steps toward stability and independence. Read more about how Camp REST helped create room for rest, community, and new possibilities.

Creating Belonging, Healing, and Possibility
REST Updates
REST
New Names, New Spaces, More Support: REST ...

This spring, REST is expanding shelter capacity from 7 beds to 12, but this story is about more than additional space. It is about listening to survivors, rethinking language, and creating environments that feel safe, dignified, and deeply restorative. From renaming our shelter the Essential RESToration Center to launching the new RESToration Transition Center, every detail reflects a commitment to care that is thoughtful, survivor centered, and designed to support what comes next. Read how this expansion is helping create more room for healing, hope, and lasting restoration.

New Names, New Spaces, More Support: REST Expands to 12 Beds

Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses: A Curated List from Our Staff & Community

Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses: A Curated List from Our Staff & Community

Black entrepreneurs have long been at the heart of economic progress, resilience, and innovation, yet the fight for economic justice and opportunity remains ongoing. This Black History Month, REST is honoring the 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” by spotlighting Black-owned businesses and their vital contributions to our communities. Economic empowerment is key to breaking cycles of exploitation, including sex trafficking, and investing in Black businesses helps create sustainable opportunities and stronger communities. Throughout February, explore our curated list of Black-owned businesses, discover new ways to support Black entrepreneurship, and join us in building a more just and equitable future.

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Connecting the Dots, Strengthening Communities, Preventing Trafficking

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Connecting the Dots, Strengthening Communities, Preventing Trafficking

What if your resolution this year could help change lives? Start 2025 with purpose by joining the mission to end sex trafficking and create freedom, safety, and hope in our communities. Human trafficking impacts vulnerable populations right here in Seattle, including youth, those experiencing homelessness, and communities of color. This January, during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, REST is hosting events, workshops, and advocacy campaigns to inspire action. Together, we can build a future where freedom and dignity are accessible to all.

Raising Awareness About Sex Trafficking Over Thanksgiving

Raising Awareness About Sex Trafficking Over Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for connection and meaningful conversations. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about pressing issues like sex trafficking. This blog offers compassionate tips on how to discuss the realities of trafficking, share impactful stories, and encourage prevention and solutions. Whether you’re sharing facts or simply raising awareness that it happens close to home, every conversation can inspire understanding and action. Read the full guide and make a difference this Thanksgiving.

Join the Movement and Be the Reason Someone Breaks Free

Join the Movement and Be the Reason Someone Breaks Free

This GivingTuesday (December 3), turn generosity into freedom, safety, and hope for survivors of sex trafficking. REST provides critical services like emergency shelter, counseling, and housing assistance, giving survivors the courage and resources to reclaim their lives. Your support—through a donation, sharing our mission, or volunteering—can make a life-changing impact. Together, let’s build a future where every survivor feels supported, valued, and free. Learn more about how you can help this GivingTuesday.

Most of the photographs representing survivors on this website are stock photography and feature models used for illustrative purposes only. With a few carefully evaluated exceptions, we do not publish or share photos of survivors at REST.

REST is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization | EIN #45-3531020