Homeless Veterans are increasingly susceptible to human trafficking, prompting the Department of Veterans Affairs to seek effective solutions to this escalating issue.

Social worker Katie Papke at the Battle Creek VA office has observed a growing trend of homeless Veterans falling prey to human trafficking. She relayed her concerns to the national social work program office, shedding light on this critical matter. Since Papke raised awareness about this issue, the VA has been developing new strategies to counteract the rising incidence of Veteran human trafficking. Her efforts led to the establishment of the VA National Human Trafficking Prevention and Education Committee, which aims to dispel misconceptions about human trafficking and devise support mechanisms for victims of this international crime.

According to a press release by the VA, human trafficking encompasses forced labor in any form, including but not limited to sex trafficking. It can be perpetrated through coercion, force, or fraud. Contrary to media portrayal, it is a far more prevalent issue and Papke asserts that it is often a crime hidden in plain sight. Traffickers frequently target homeless shelters by luring individuals with false promises of accommodation and other benefits in exchange for forced labor.

Papke said, "Sometimes individuals in a housing crisis reach out to all types of people and resources and become desperate to find ways to either keep them housed or get them housed rapidly. At these pinnacle times, potential for human trafficking can occur." In response to this risk, the VA has initiated a two-year pilot program at six VA facilities aimed at addressing trafficking and enhancing understanding on how to identify it.