Commercial Sexual Exploitation Survivor Services in Washington

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), through its Safe and Thriving Communities Division, has released the 2025 Commercial Sexual Exploitation Survivor Services Request for Proposal (RFP) to support individuals affected by the commercial sex industry. The City is investing approximately $1.7 million annually in general funds to expand culturally responsive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered services. The grant supports two strategic service areas: Mobile Flexible Advocacy and Shelter/Transitional Housing Services. Eligible applicants may apply for one or both strategies, with separate timelines and funding parameters. This funding initiative aims to enhance the continuum of care for individuals impacted by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), including but not limited to sex trafficking, prostitution, and sex work. These services are intended for people who live, work, or attend school in Seattle, are engaged with Seattle-based gender-based violence service organizations, or are involved in related Seattle Police Department investigations. The RFP recognizes that individuals impacted by CSE face a spectrum of experiences shaped by systemic barriers. The grant prioritizes services for populations that experience compounded vulnerabilities, such as Black, Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and youth communities. Applicants to the Mobile Flexible Advocacy strategy will provide survivor-centered services such as safety planning, advocacy, housing support, financial assistance, mental and physical health support, and flexible client assistance within the survivor’s preferred safe location. Shelter/Transitional Housing applicants must offer low-barrier, non-congregate emergency shelter or longer-term housing that meets state regulations and integrates case management and wraparound services. All services must align with trauma-informed care and harm reduction practices and reflect the diverse lived experiences of survivors. Organizations applying must demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience working with CSE survivors and must meet HSD’s agency eligibility requirements. Applicants must collect and report anonymized client-level data, participate in surveys and interviews, and submit narrative and quantitative reports as part of the evaluation process. If working with minors or vulnerable adults, the organization must comply with applicable background check policies. All awardees must participate in the City’s CSE Collaborative Network alongside partners including HSD advocates and the Seattle Police Department. Applications are due by 12:00pm PST on July 14, 2025, with the anticipated award notification on August 25, 2025. Contracts for the Mobile Flexible Advocacy strategy will run from September 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026. Shelter/Transitional Housing contracts will begin on January 1, 2026 and conclude December 31, 2026. HSD may renew these contracts annually through 2029, contingent on performance and funding. An optional virtual information session will be held on June 24, 2025 from 1:00–2:30pm via Microsoft Teams. All application materials must be submitted electronically through the HSD submission portal or via the specified email. For technical support, Communities Rise offers limited free consultations for applicants without professional grant writers. For content or eligibility-related questions, applicants may contact Judith Panlasigui at Judith.Panlasigui@seattle.gov. Required attachments include a cover sheet, proposal narrative, program and personnel budgets in Excel, and letters of collaboration or fiscal sponsorship where applicable.

Free technical assistance is available from Communities Rise for applicants without grant writers.