Many hours of preparation and training went into the months that led up to Super Bowl LII. Read our report on the emergency shelter & online outreach work that we were able to provide during the week of Super Bowl LII in 2018.

The Purple Light Vision

In February 2018, Super Bowl LII came to Minneapolis. It was one big party and a huge boost to many businesses. Unfortunately, it wasn’t fun for everyone and business wasn’t the only thing that increased.

The Super Bowl brought a surge in sex trafficking and prostitution. And after the party was over, the local culture of trafficking and victimization went forward at a significantly higher rate as a result.

Minnesota was already considered a national hot spot for Sex Trafficking and prostitution. The age of girls entry trafficking is often as young as 11-13 with homeless youth often targeted within 48 hours. In 2017, every county in MN saw trafficking charges.

Most of these women and girls want to get out. They want a better life, but are faced with incredible obstacles. Opportunities and recovery resources remain a desperate need. They deserve a chance to regain their autonomy and their dignity.

The Purple Light was a beacon of hope to women trafficked here in Minnesota. It was a sign that there are caring people who can help and this community isn’t shutting their eyes to women in need – they’re creating opportunities to empower women and protect young girls.

The objective of The Purple Light Project was to increase opportunities and recovery resources for trafficking victims. This included Online Outreach Teams, Recovery Support Team, Resources, Transitional Home Beds, Awareness and a Network of local church online outreach teams.

Read our Super Bowl LII report to see how we were able to do this both during the week of the Super Bowl and how we plan to continue growing these resources.