New Shelter 'Hope House' Established for Human Trafficking Survivors in Memphis

Hope House: A New Beacon of Hope in Memphis

In a transformative partnership, Our Rescue and We Fight Monsters have united efforts to address the pressing issue of sex trafficking in the United States. On May 22, 2025, this collaboration was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at establishing a recovery facility called Hope House in Memphis, Tennessee. This initiative signals a significant commitment to supporting survivors of human trafficking.

The planned location at 1192 Melrose Street will serve as a sanctuary for survivors, providing not only a safe harbor but also a comprehensive suite of supportive services designed to facilitate their healing journey. The Hope House aims to create an environment tailored to trauma-informed care, which is crucial for those who have faced the emotional and psychological impacts of exploitation. It will encompass transitional housing alongside various support services, all aimed at equipping survivors with the tools necessary for a successful reintegration into society.

Derek Benner, CEO of Our Rescue, emphasized the importance of safe spaces in the recovery process. He stated, “Every survivor deserves a safe place to heal and reclaim their lives. Through this collaboration with We Fight Monsters, we're not just building a shelter — we're building a future filled with hope, strength, and opportunity.”

This facility represents a partnership between two robust nonprofit organizations. Our Rescue is a global NGO dedicated to combating child exploitation and sex trafficking. We Fight Monsters focuses on restoring dignity to individuals impacted by human and narcotics trafficking. The combined expertise of these organizations leads to the transformation of a previously neglected building into a stronghold of healing and opportunity.

Ben Owen, co-founder of We Fight Monsters, shared his vision: “We believe in confronting darkness with light, and this shelter will be a sanctuary of transformation. It will stand as proof that healing is possible, that hope can rise from hardship, and that community matters.” This vision reaffirms the belief that no single entity can dismantle sex trafficking alone; collective efforts are paramount.

Under the MOU, Our Rescue will provide not only financial support but also technical resources and survivor care expertise for the renovation and construction project. Meanwhile, We Fight Monsters will handle the operational aspects such as shelter renovation and programming, ensuring that their impact resonates on the ground level. The commitment to delivering a survivor-informed and impact-driven model of care is one of the foundational pillars of this initiative.

The construction of the Hope House is already underway, with both organizations dedicated to seeing it through. They envision it as a model of community involvement and collective responsibility. Jessica Owen, co-founder of We Fight Monsters, remarked, “This project isn’t just about construction — it’s about community. We invite residents, churches, businesses, and civic partners to be part of something truly meaningful. Together, we can create a safe place that empowers healing, recovery, and redemption.”

This sentiment reflects a broader call to action for Memphis residents to engage with this transformative initiative. In the coming months, there will be various opportunities for local communities, corporations, and other organizations to contribute to the Hope House project.

Now more than ever, the need for services addressing human trafficking is critical, and the establishment of the Hope House in Memphis is a crucial stride towards addressing this societal issue. As the project progresses, it exemplifies hope not just for survivors, but for the entire community that stands behind them, ensuring that, together, a brighter future can emerge from the shadows of trafficking and exploitation.

In conclusion, both Our Rescue and We Fight Monsters are leading the way in showing that through collaboration, perseverance, and community support, we can make a profound impact on the lives of those affected by trafficking. As they embark on this journey of healing, the Hope House stands as a testament to what can be achieved when hearts and minds join forces against injustice.