Introduction: A survivor’s ongoing battle
Arjeta Folla, a survivor of human trafficking and a former detainee, has faced an arduous journey through detention, displacement, and now homelessness in Liverpool—the city she loves. Her story underscores the fragile and often overlooked path many trafficking survivors tread after release, when the safety net can feel paper-thin and support services are stretched to the limit. While her experiences reflect the resilience of the human spirit, they also reveal gaps in local systems designed to protect the vulnerable in times of crisis.
The journey from detention to freedom
For survivors like Arjeta, release from immigration detention should mark the beginning of stability and recovery. In practice, it can instead be a precarious transition. Detention exit often removes a controlled environment but does not automatically secure housing, ongoing healthcare, or access to tailored support. Arjeta’s release, while bringing personal autonomy, has not guaranteed a stable base in a city she loves, leaving her navigating a volatile housing market with limited resources and uncertain prospects.
Housing, homelessness, and the gaps in safety nets
Homelessness among trafficking survivors is a pressing humanitarian issue in many cities, including Liverpool. Survivors may face a spectrum of barriers: language gaps, complex immigration statuses, PTSD and trauma-related needs, and a lack of affordable, appropriate housing. For Arjeta, the immediate challenge is not just a roof over her head but a safe, stable environment that recognizes her past experiences and supports her in rebuilding her life. Without stable housing, access to healthcare, secure employment, and ongoing legal status becomes markedly harder, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Why housing instability matters to survivors
Stable housing is foundational for rebuilding trust, safety, and independence. When housing fails, trauma recovery can be stalled. For survivors who have endured coercion, exploitation, and violence, housing security also translates into access to dedicated legal advice, mental health services, and social support networks that validate their experiences and empower self-determination.
The impact of community and local services
Liverpool has a diverse array of charitable and faith-based organizations, NGOs, and public services committed to supporting vulnerable residents. Yet, victims like Arjeta sometimes fall through cracks between immigration policy, housing eligibility, and non-governmental support. Strengthening collaboration between housing services, social care, and survivor-led groups is essential. Accessible language services, culturally sensitive care, and trauma-informed approaches can make the difference between ongoing homelessness and a pathway to stability.
Stories of resilience and the path forward
Arjeta’s resolve illustrates how resilience can coexist with vulnerability. Her voice—shared in media coverage and advocacy circles—helps illuminate the realities of trafficking survivors who are rebuilding in urban spaces they hold dear. The path forward requires a combination of immediate housing solutions, long-term housing strategies, and policy-level reforms that remove barriers to safety and dignity for survivors in Liverpool and beyond. Local authorities and charities can play a pivotal role by prioritizing:
– Immediate, safe emergency housing with trauma-informed support
– Guaranteed access to healthcare, including mental health and addiction services where relevant
– Legal aid for immigration processes, residency, and protection from exploitation
– Employment training and safe job placement tailored for survivors
– Strong coordination between housing providers, social services, and survivor-led organizations
What communities can do now
Residents of Liverpool can support survivors by volunteering, donating to reputable organizations, and advocating for more inclusive housing policies. Community awareness helps reduce stigma and fosters an environment where survivors feel seen, heard, and protected. Small acts of support—from helping with applications to providing safe, non-judgmental listening spaces—can accumulate into meaningful change for someone like Arjeta, offering a bridge from instability to opportunity.
Conclusion: Hope, dignity, and lasting solutions
Arjeta Folla’s case is a stark reminder that freedom from detention is not synonymous with safety and stability. As Liverpool continues to welcome people from diverse backgrounds, it must also ensure that survivors of trafficking and those newly released from custody have ready access to housing, healthcare, and a pathway to independence. With coordinated effort from policymakers, service providers, and the community, Arjeta—and many others in similar situations—can move from homelessness toward a future rooted in safety, dignity, and belonging.
