Luis deBaca
Luis C. deBaca, former Ambassador at Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, will be the keynote speaker.
Leaders from government, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations and lived-experience experts will convene in Brooklyn on Thursday, February 26, for the 2026 New York State Safe Housing Summit, addressing the urgent need for trauma-informed housing and mental health services for survivors of human trafficking.
Hosted by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and LifeWay Network, the summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brooklyn Borough Hall, located at 209 Joralemon St. The event will bring together stakeholders from across New York State to examine how the lack of trauma-informed housing programs with integrated mental health services contributes to cycles of instability, leaving many survivors vulnerable to homelessness or re-exploitation.
“Safe and supportive housing is an essential part of recovery for victims of human trafficking, and a component of my office’s holistic approach when assisting survivors,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. “With this annual summit, we are hoping that such a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach expands further throughout the state and that together we foster innovative strategies to better serve those in need. I thank the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, LifeWay Network and all the other leaders from government, law enforcement and nonprofits who are set to take part in this important summit.”
The summit will shine a light on the importance of designing housing solutions that are not only safe but also responsive to the mental health needs of survivors. By fostering collaboration among service providers, advocates, policymakers and community stakeholders, the summit aims to promote innovative, survivor-centered approaches that integrate housing and behavioral health support.
“Survivors of human trafficking often suffer extreme physical, sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their traffickers. This abuse often leads to trauma-related challenges which can interfere with employment, disrupt daily functioning and impact one’s ability to navigate housing systems or sustain long-term tenancy,” said Ali Boak, executive director of LifeWay Network. “This summit is an important step toward creating innovative, survivor-centered approaches that bridge the gap between housing and mental health care.”
“We are proud to cosponsor the 2026 New York State Safe Housing Summit with LifeWay Network and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office,” said Saloni Sethi, commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV). “Preventing human trafficking requires confronting the economic inequalities that make people vulnerable. When people cannot adequately house themselves due to immigration status, trauma or systemic discrimination, they are at a greater risk of exploitation by traffickers. Safe housing, coordinated services and cross-system collaboration are essential to disrupting these economies of harm and creating economic justice for survivors.”
New York has 62 counties, yet there are only 20 dedicated safe housing options spread across just 12 counties, as LifeWay Network discovered last year while preparing the New York State Directory of Housing Options for Survivors of Human Trafficking. This highlights a significant gap in housing availability for trafficking survivors across the state and underscores the urgent need for expanded, coordinated support services.
The summit is intended for elected officials, policymakers, law enforcement, service providers, advocates and professionals with lived experience who are engaged in housing, public safety and survivor services.
Event Details
What: 2026 New York State Safe Housing Summit
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, February 26
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn 11201
Who Should Attend: Elected officials, policymakers, advocates, law enforcement, service providers, lived-experience professionals and other key stakeholders
Registration: Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register, visit bit.ly/2026HousingSummit.
Keynote Speaker: Luis C.deBaca, former Ambassador at Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
Media are invited to attend. Interviews with speakers and organizers are available upon request.
The New York State Directory of Housing Options for Survivors of Human Trafficking is an initiative of LifeWay Network and is available on the Safe Housing page at LifeWayNetwork.org.
For more information about hosting organizations, please visit their respective websites.
