49 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,June 24,2021 insidehalton.com 905.847.1522 www.AyAOKVILLE.COM AyA KItchEns Of OAKVILLE 1195 North service rD. W usually a safe house or emergency shelter -- any- where in the country. "Technically we're Canada-wide when it comes to our peer support program and our transi- tional housing program," said Fiorella Kuczma, in- terim executive director of Restorations. "Those facilities are generally short term stays and to provide immediate emergency housing. With- out second stage support, a survivor would go from shelter to independence and often find themselves right back on the streets or with their trafficker be- cause they haven't been equipped with the proper supports and tools to live independently. This is why second stage is such a huge gap and need." The immediate needs of survivors exiting exploi- tation are vast, said Mi- chelle Furgiuele, a survi- vor of human trafficking and now a valued peer ad- vocate and outreach facil- itator for Restorations. "From basic needs like clothing and food, hous- ing, and health services to more long-term needs such as counselling. Per- haps what is most impor- tant of all is knowing you are not alone, and being supported and understood and accepted within your community," said Furgi- uele. It's incredibly hard to heal while trying to main- tain the basic necessities of life, she added. The charity's peer sup- port program, comprised of individuals with lived experience, has been con- sulted every step of the way when it comes to the home's policies, proce- dures and programming, said Furgiuele. "My hope is that this house represents safety and a fresh start to every survivor who walks through the doors. There is no place like home espe- cially for those who have had stability, love and the sense of safety stolen from them," said Furgiuele. As they steadfastly work towards opening what they hope is the first of several Restorations second stage homes across Burlington and Hamilton, procuring financing is al- ways a barrier, said Kucz- ma. Restorations is hoping to raise $250,000 to cover the cost of two years' sala- ry for house staff through a GoFundMe campaign. Anything less than that jeopardizes the safety of the women; insufficient funds can result in in- creased turnover and low morale, said Kuczma. "Human trafficking is happening in our own backyard, right here in Halton. Having this home in our community not only helps those who have been exploited, it also brings awareness about human trafficking which in turns allows Halton to take a stand and let these traf- fickers know they are not welcome here," said Furgi- uele. To make a GoFundMe donation, visit https:// charity.gofundme.com/o/ en/campaign/Restora- tionsCanadaFor other do- nations or gifts-in-kind for the home, email info@res- torationscanada.org or phone Kuczma at 905-574- 5164. Contact Delainy Doyle, Community Social Media Manager, for part- nerships/sponsorships/ fundraising initiatives at delainy@restoration- scanada.org STORY BEHIND THE STORY: The only second stage long-term transi- tional home for survivors of human trafficking in the Halton and Hamilton area is opening its doors this August. We wanted to find out what this means for survivors of this hei- nous crime. NEWS Continued from page 48 "My hope is that this house represents safety and a fresh start to every survivor who walks through the doors." - Michelle Furgiuele Fiorella Kuczma (left) and Jennifer Lucking will soon be welcoming victims of human trafficking to Nancy's House. Graham Paine/Metroland