New Transitional Housing for Youth in Hayward
Hayward, CA – In a community celebration today, Alameda County District Attorney, Nancy E. O’Malley was recognized for her career-long efforts to combat human trafficking at the opening of “Nancy’s House,” a new youth transitional housing facility in Hayward.
View opening speeches here: facebook.com/rubysplaceinc or instagram.com/_rubysplace
Nancy’s House provides low-barrier emergency and transitional housing for youth ages 18-20 who have been sex trafficked. It is operated by Ruby’s Place, a regional leader in supportive services for victims of all forms of human trafficking. Nancy’s House will provide wrap-around care for each young person in the house, including: healthy food, a safe and secure place to sleep, and case management to help them identify a plan for a safe place to live long term.
“I am so honored to have a part in this much-needed facility that will serve as transitional youth housing. Young survivors of sex trafficking need a place to heal, and to know that services and care are available for them. This housing will serve just that: a place where they can feel safe, loved; a place where they can find strength and support to move on with their lives in freedom and not in exploitation,” said DA O’Malley. “It is fitting that the opening of this facility is during January, Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It’s a reminder that our fight against human trafficking is not over, and continues every single day.”
“We are so proud of our newest youth residential supportive services home,” said Helen Ayala, Youth Programs Manager for Ruby’s Place. “We are grateful that DA O’Malley believed and shared the vision of extending services to youth in our community. Your trust in our core values and experience will make Nancy’s House a valuable tool for repairing lives in Alameda County.”
About Nancy O’Malley
DA O’Malley is a nationally recognized expert in issues involving violence against women, violence against persons with disabilities, and interpersonal violence including sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, stalking, and human exploitation and trafficking. She serves in an office with a national reputation for excellence dating back to former District Attorney and United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren. DA O’Malley carries out this proud legacy as the first woman to serve as Alameda County’s elected District Attorney, and as a leader known throughout California and the country for her innovation and vision. Full bio here.
About Ruby’s Place
Ruby’s Place was founded in 1971 by a group of amazing volunteers in Hayward. Created to support women and children fleeing violence in the home, it became the nation’s first publicly available domestic violence shelter. Since pioneering the model, Ruby’s Place has expanded its mission to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime, through hope, advocacy, and connection.
Ruby’s Place provides survivors with crisis services, shelter, counseling, children’s services, and more. We also provide training and technical assistance for first responders and social services providers on our recognized best practices for supporting victims of trauma. rubysplace.org
Contact: Public Information Officer, Angela Ruggiero // Angela.Ruggiero@acgov.org // (510) 919-0081
Beth Quirarte, Ruby’s Place // beth@rubysplace.org // (510) 712-7712 (Helen Ayala available for English/Spanish interviews)