Human trafficking is one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time. It intersects with many parallel challenges. It can happen to anyone, in cities, suburbs, and rural towns. This year, demand for support from survivors, professionals, communities, and rising human rights leaders is only growing.
At the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking, we are focusing on what it will take to meet this moment. During LCHT’s Spring Sustainer Week (May 9-17, 2026), we’re searching for 20 new Lab Catalyst monthly donors. These individuals will help sustain Colorado’s anti-trafficking response year-round.
Consistent support makes consistent impact possible. Will you be part of it? Pledge any amount each month as a Lab Catalyst. For as little as $10/month, you can help eliminate exploitation in Colorado.
Keep reading to find out the most pressing needs when it comes to ending human trafficking in Colorado right now. Plus, learn how you can help address them.
Challenge #1: Survivors have fewer options for help
For survivors of human trafficking who are seeking help, the system can be difficult to navigate. Federal funding cuts mean some programs have closed their doors. Others have reduced capacity or changed eligibility requirements.
“The landscape of victim services is constantly shifting, and that’s true in Colorado,” says Lauren Holsombeck, LCHT’s Program Coordinator. “Survivors are left with fewer options. For a survivor trying to find help, the complexity of resource navigation can feel frustrating and overwhelming.”
Since 2018, our 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline has received more than 6,000 calls and texts from survivors and concerned community members reporting a tip. “The Hotline works to stay informed on our vetted resources, so that when someone reaches out, they know a real person will be there to support them in a safe, non-judgmental environment,” explains Lauren.
But it takes consistent resources to keep the Hotline open day and night, and we’ve lost nearly 50% of our federal grant funding over the last two years. That’s where you come in.
How Lab Catalysts are part of the solution:
Lab Catalysts help keep Colorado’s Human Trafficking Hotline open 24/7. They also expand language access so that more people know support exists.
Lauren says, “When someone reaches out to the Hotline, they need to know someone will be there. Continued support is what makes that possible.” Despite ever-changing systems, monthly support means that survivors will always have this resource.
Lauren adds, “Monthly giving means we can keep answering calls, reaching new communities, and making sure that when someone is ready to reach out, they know exactly where to turn.”
Lab Catalyst, Board Member, and volunteer Hotline Advocate Devin Pitts-Rogers says, “At the end of the day, time and place are really the biggest factors in how any of us even experience trafficking. I do my part to keep the lights on at LCHT so they can continue to provide immediate relief, like supporting survivors.” Thank you, Devin!
$10/month can help two survivors access critical support and resources through Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline. Make a pledge to support Hotline callers.
Challenge #2: Demand for anti-trafficking training is outpacing capacity
“Our greatest challenge in 2026 is capacity,” says Kara Napolitano, Education and Partnerships Director at LCHT. “Demand for training is growing across Colorado, and our team rarely turns down a request. We are stretched thin, traveling around the state to train as many people as possible in the most efficient way.” With two full-time trainers and two part-time specialists, we’re scheduling trainings two to three months out just to keep up.
To date, we have trained more than 85,000 people on anti-trafficking in Colorado. But there are still thousands more organizations, communities, and professionals who are in a position to recognize and respond to trafficking. They work in healthcare, child welfare, criminal justice, and public-facing industries.
These individuals have the potential to stop human trafficking when they suspect it is taking place. When trainings are delayed, cases or exploitation could be missed. That can mean the difference between a survivor getting help or not.
But right now, our bandwidth is the limiting factor. There aren’t enough hours in the day or trainers on our team to meet the demand.
How Lab Catalysts are part of the solution:
Lab Catalysts ensure that when people want to learn about human trafficking, LCHT can always say yes. Monthly support gives LCHT the flexibility to grow the training team, respond faster to the growing number of training requests, and reach more corners of the state.
“Reliable funding allows us to move beyond simply meeting demand to proactively reaching new audiences and increasing participation,” Kara says. “It ensures that more individuals and organizations are equipped to recognize and respond to human trafficking in their own communities.”
Lab Catalyst Lauren Finger says, “LCHT can only receive so much through governmental funding, so they need people like us to help support them every month so they can continue to do their awesome work.” Thank you, Lauren!
$25/month can train one frontline professional in anti-trafficking, empowering them to recognize and respond to exploitation in their job. Make a pledge to train frontline workers.
Challenge #3: The need for leadership development is growing rapidly
LCHT’s Leadership Development Program equips the next generation of social justice advocates with the tools to lead. In 2026, demand is growing faster than ever before. “Our most unique challenge in 2026 is twofold: meeting the surge in demand and scaling with intention,” says Rose Inglis, Leadership Development Program Manager.
To date, this program has mentored over 215 rising leaders. Within the past year, program offerings have tripled. Participation has also grown, with the cohort sizes on track to double over the past two years. The interest reflects something we’re hearing more broadly: people want to develop real skills in this field and stay grounded in human rights work, even as the landscape around them shifts.
In addition to the flagship internship program, LCHT recently launched a Professional Leadership track for experienced leaders who want to create change within their own workplaces and communities. As the program grows, we need to ensure every participant still receives the mentorship and support needed to tackle the complexities of human trafficking.
“Our challenge is scaling our infrastructure to ensure every new leader receives the rigorous, expert mentorship LCHT is known for,” Rose explains.
How Lab Catalysts are part of the solution:
Lab Catalysts provide the consistent support needed to sustain the Leadership Development Program as it grows. Monthly giving helps fund training, mentorship, scholarships, and expanded leadership opportunities for emerging and established advocates alike.
“Strong leaders build stronger communities,” Rose says. “By giving monthly, you are directly investing in the people who will end human trafficking for good.”
Lab Catalyst and LCHT Development and Communications Director Craig Nason says, “I’ve been thinking a lot about our Leadership Development Program and the idea of the next generation holding onto hope that change is possible. For me, it’s a joy to give every month and know that I’m supporting the future of anti-trafficking.” Thank you, Craig!
$50/month can provide a Leadership Development Program scholarship so that more rising human rights leaders with financial needs are encouraged to participate. Make a pledge to invest in the next generation of leaders.
Challenge #4: Survivor-informed research takes time and resources
Human trafficking is often hidden, which makes strong research essential. Without accurate data and survivor-informed insights, communities can struggle to understand trafficking and respond effectively.
In 2026, LCHT’s Research team is laying the groundwork for the next Colorado Project, a statewide effort to gather data on how agencies and organizations are responding to human trafficking across Colorado. It’s our fifth research initiative at LCHT.
“A core part of this work is our new CARE Team, which includes lived experience researchers who bring deep expertise to the design of this community-based participatory research,” says Annjanette Alejano-Steele, Research Director and Co-Founder of LCHT.
But this kind of research requires creative, intentional outreach, especially when engaging underserved and minoritized communities. “The challenge is doing that design work well,” AJ explains. “Keeping safety and confidentiality as top priorities requires significant time and resources that we must actively protect.”
How Lab Catalysts are part of the solution:
Lab Catalysts help sustain research that is ethical, survivor-informed, and community-driven. Monthly support helps cover research tools, outreach efforts, and compensation for lived experience experts contributing to the work.
Sustained funding keeps research moving steadily through 2026. AJ adds, “It supports the CARE Team’s design process, covers tools like coding platforms, and allows us to compensate individuals with lived experience for their time and contributions.”
“Good research requires the people closest to this issue to be at the table,” AJ says. “Monthly giving helps make that possible.”
$80/month can sponsor a survivor leader to co-facilitate training and contribute to LCHT’s research projects. Make a pledge to ensure survivors have a seat at the table.
Be part of the solution
Each of these four challenges in the fight to end human trafficking is significant. Each one is something your monthly gift directly addresses. The Hotline stays open. Trainers can say yes. Leaders get supported. Research moves forward. That’s what consistent giving makes possible, month after month. You’ll create stability in a movement that depends on it.
Which part of Colorado’s anti-trafficking response matters most to you? Is it making sure someone answers the next Hotline call or text from a survivor? Helping professionals learn the signs of trafficking to look out for? Investing in the next generation of human rights leaders? Bringing more survivors into the movement? Become a Lab Catalyst to help carry the response forward month after month.