Two decades ago, Colorado’s response to human trafficking was just beginning. There were few resources, low public awareness, and no coordinated system for survivors to get help. But that started to change in 2007, when Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline was established. It marked a critical step in the state’s growing anti-trafficking response.

What started as a grassroots initiative to end human trafficking has since matured into a trusted statewide resource connecting survivors, service providers, law enforcement, and community members. As the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, the Hotline is a great example of progress that has been made in Colorado. 

The Hotline has grown alongside policy changes, survivor advocacy, and public awareness. Today, it’s a vital lifeline for those impacted by trafficking. But how did we get here? And what’s next for this essential service? Keep reading to find out!

The Early Days: The Coalition Behind Colorado’s First Human Trafficking Hotline

The idea for the Hotline emerged in the early 2000s. The first federal and state-level anti-trafficking laws had been passed, but there was a lack of public awareness about human trafficking and how to respond. At the time, survivors often had to retell their stories multiple times to access services, which caused additional trauma. There was no centralized place to call for help, and communities didn’t know where to report trafficking concerns.

“The Hotline was designed to fill that gap—giving community members a place to share concerns and survivors a direct way to access services and legal support,” says Craig Nason, LCHT’s Development and Communications Director. In 2007, the Colorado Department of Public Safety launched Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline with federal funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. It partnered with The Salvation Army and a coalition of service providers and advocates called the Colorado Network to End Human Trafficking (CoNEHT). The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking was a core member, working alongside other organizations to ensure a coordinated response.

“The mission of the Hotline at the time was to assemble a growing list of organizations that understood the complexities of human trafficking,” explains Amanda Finger, LCHT’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. “Together, they could offer survivor-centered, trauma-informed support.”

Organizations like Colorado Legal Services, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), Lutheran Family Services, MSU Denver, Prax(us), and others were part of the coalition. Each represented various communities and services. Together, they provided legal aid, shelter and case management, education and outreach to youth and vulnerable populations, and more. Calls weren’t just answered—real connections were formed between survivors and trusted organizations.

The Next Chapter: LCHT Takes the Lead

Between 2007 and 2012, The Salvation Army, and later the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, managed the federally funded Hotline. When funding ended, LCHT was asked to take over full management of the program in early 2013. The transition was community-driven, relying on support from private foundations and individual donations.

Collaboration remained a priority. “LCHT has always believed that no single organization can fight human trafficking alone—it requires a multi-sector, interdisciplinary response,” Craig shares. “Instead of operating in isolation, the Hotline became a bridge; every call would be met with trusted referrals and trained responders.” 

Without a staff member dedicated to the Hotline, LCHT expanded capacity by launching a Volunteer Hotline Advocate program. “We saw this as an opportunity—not only to keep the Hotline running, but also to engage the community in local anti-trafficking efforts,” says Amanda Finger. Volunteer advocates became the heart of the Hotline, answering calls and connecting survivors with critical resources. 

Hear from LCHT Volunteer Hotline Advocates about why this 24/7 resource matters for survivors.

The Heart of the Hotline: VOLUNTEERS!

In 2017, LCHT hired its first dedicated staffer for the Hotline. With dedicated leadership, the program grew and volunteer support improved. We now have a full-time Program Coordinator and a part-time Resource Specialist, too.

“Volunteer Hotline Advocates are the first point of contact for survivors and concerned community members, and their ability to provide informed, compassionate responses is critical,” says Katlyn Pryshlak, LCHT’s Hotline and Advocacy Manager. “Our volunteers are incredible and bring so much time and energy to this work.”

Our 20-hour volunteer training, held twice a year, covers human trafficking in Colorado, survivor allyship, de-escalation, resource navigation, and more. Several sessions are led by key partners across the state working in the anti-trafficking field. Role-play exercises help volunteers practice and feel prepared to answer real calls and navigate complex situations.

“There’s also a focus on sustainability and self-care, recognizing the emotional weight of this work,” adds Katlyn. We host regular volunteer self-care activities, social gatherings, and biannual check-ins to provide coaching and support. The Hotline now operates at a level that would have been difficult to imagine in its early years!

Breaking Barriers for Survivors to Get Help: Calls, Texts, & More

Katlyn shares, “To our knowledge, there are several other states with human trafficking hotlines, but none have the same level of dedicated resources that we do to provide resource navigation and the option to report to trusted law enforcement—all in one place.” While Colorado has many resources, they aren’t always easy for survivors to navigate on their own. Eligibility requirements, service limitations, or geographic barriers can make it hard for people to get help. The Hotline bridges that gap.

As technology evolved, LCHT expanded the Hotline from a phone-only model to include a textline, too. This allows people to reach out safely and discreetly via text—another pathway for survivors to connect with resources.

Anyone can now access our Online Resource Directory, which allows callers to quickly find vetted services based on location, service type, and population served. With more than 250 organizations listed in our referral network, we frequently check that the information is up-to-date and accurate. “Having online resources means that even those who may not be in a safe position to call or text can access services,” continues Katlyn. 

LCHT also introduced a language service to provide 24/7 access to telephone interpreters in over 230 languages. Without a language barrier, more survivors can get help.

Expanding Critical Services for Survivors

While the Hotline has come a long way, challenges remain. There are gaps in critical services like emergency housing, medical care, or legal aid across rural and mountain communities. “The Hotline only works if resources exist,” explains Craig. “If a survivor calls from a region where there are no safe housing options and that’s their immediate need, we’re left without a real solution in the moment.”

Amanda adds, “When we notice repeated requests for a type of resource that isn’t available—or isn’t easily accessible—we take action.” This means re-vetting service providers, offering updated training to partners, and expanding our network to better serve survivors. Every survivor, no matter where they are in Colorado, should be able to access local, in-person support when they need it. 

Growing Awareness: Making Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline a Household Name

Over the years, the Hotline gained credibility as a trusted, statewide resource. A major milestone came when the Colorado Human Trafficking Council included our Hotline and Textline phone numbers in the Emmy award-winning This Is Human Trafficking public awareness campaign. “Being selected was a clear sign that our Hotline had become widely recognized as a trusted resource for trafficking survivors and those seeking help,” reflects Katlyn.

Since 2020, calls and texts have increased by 20% annually, reflecting both growing awareness and a rising need for services. Last year, that growth plateaued slightly, suggesting there’s still work to do in educating Colorado communities about the Hotline’s services.

“One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is how critical the first call can be,” shares Amanda. “Sometimes, a survivor or service provider reaches out to the Hotline with no idea where else to turn.” Over the years, we’ve even seen cases in the media that were first reported as tips to our Hotline. This resource is not just helpful—it’s critical.

An ongoing challenge (and opportunity) is making sure that the right people—survivors and the people in a position to help them—know the Hotline exists. Outreach needs to happen on multiple levels, from frontline professionals who can make direct referrals to community-based awareness efforts and targeted digital outreach.

“Our goal is to make Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline a household name so that every survivor, service provider, and community member knows that they have a safe, confidential place to turn when they need help,” says Amanda. “If we can achieve that, the Hotline won’t just be a crisis resource; it will be an essential part of a long-term statewide safety net for survivors.”

Imagining The Next 20 Years (& How You Can Help!)

For the past 20 years, LCHT has strengthened Colorado’s response to sex and labor trafficking. A core part of that mission has been building a network of partners that prevent exploitation and provide meaningful support to survivors—which includes you. “The Hotline is a critical piece of that puzzle,” says Craig. “It’s proof of what we can achieve when we come together.”

But the work isn’t done. Now, it’s time to look ahead to what’s still possible. “Investing in the Hotline means investing in a future where every survivor has access to help,” adds Craig. The Hotline’s future will be shaped by those who believe that Colorado can continue to be a leader in the fight against human trafficking.

In 20 years, Katlyn hopes that the Hotline is operating with more paid, professional advocates alongside our highly trained volunteers to sustain and scale the program. Currently, the Hotline primarily refers survivors to other resources. “Imagine if we had the ability to provide ongoing follow-up, safety planning, and direct service coordination for survivors who need more than just an initial call or text,” Katlyn says. “The Hotline wouldn’t just be a connector to services, but a long-term support system for those navigating their options.”

In the next 20 years of anti-trafficking efforts, human connection will remain at the center of Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline. Amanda’s vision is simple: “I hope that 20 years from now, when someone calls or texts the Hotline, they are still met with compassion, empathy, and a trained advocate who can truly listen and provide meaningful support.”

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Need help? Call the Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline at 866-455-5075 or text 720-999-9724. You can also search our Online Resource Directory to get assistance near you right now.