History of the Coalition

The Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition was formed in 2015 to bring together professionals from area agencies to collaborate in the fight against human trafficking. These agencies include local, state, and federal law enforcement, state and federal prosecutors, victim service providers, governmental and non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups and more. The six counties included in the Heart of Texas are Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan Counties.

In 2016, the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded the coalition funding under the Enhanced Collaborative Model solicitation to assist in the development of the coalition. This grant increased the coalition's capacity to provide comprehensive case management services through several funded positions including case managers and a dedicated human trafficking counselor, as well as additional assistance for victims of severe forms of human trafficking. Additionally, the Enhanced Collaborative Model provided funds for a human trafficking detective and funding to improve and increase human trafficking investigations.

In 2018, the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition co-hosted the "Not In My City Outreach" with Unbound Waco, conducting a six-county awareness campaign during January, Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The coalition has continued to co-host each year since, providing awareness materials to over 500 businesses.

In 2019, the Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime awarded the coalition a second grant to continue to develop the effectiveness of the coalition.