Metro Philadelphia

City officials this week announced the launch of a human trafficking prevention and awareness campaign ahead of a slate of major international events expected to draw large crowds to Philadelphia in 2026.

The initiative will be led by The Salvation Army and Chatterblast Media, which were selected to develop and deploy the campaign in partnership with STOP THE TRAFFIK and other anti-trafficking groups. The effort will run from mid-May through early August and focus on training, public awareness, and coordinated response strategies.

Mayor Cherelle Parker said the campaign comes as the city prepares for a “historic summer” that will bring increased tourism and economic activity — along with heightened risks.

“We are on the cusp of one of the biggest summers this city will have seen in decades,” Parker said. “While large-scale international events bring visitors and economic activity, revenue and business that our city needs, they can also create exploitable conditions for traffickers.”

Philadelphia is set to host several high-profile events in 2026, including FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and celebrations tied to the country’s semiquincentennial.

The campaign is designed to increase public awareness, encourage victims to seek help, and equip frontline workers and businesses with tools to identify and respond to trafficking and to deter demand.

Through its New Day to Stop Trafficking program, The Salvation Army will provide survivor-centered services, including mobile case management, access to shelter beds, and training for city departments and local businesses.

Adam Geer, chief public safety director for the city’s Office of Public Safety, said trafficking remains a “persistent and often hidden” issue that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and economic instability.

 “The data shows that the risk of both sex and labor trafficking increases around major events, which underscores the urgent need for coordinated prevention and response efforts like this campaign,” he said. 

Chatterblast Media will lead the campaign alongside the Salvation Army’s program, with support from STOP THE TRAFFIK, a global nonprofit with more than 20 years of experience fighting human trafficking. The group uses its Traffik Analysis Hub, a massive database that tracks trafficking patterns around the world. That data shows trafficking often increases during major international events — and that targeted, data-informed prevention efforts can help stop exploitation before it happens.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the campaign emphasizes prevention alongside enforcement.

“Human trafficking is often hidden, but its impact is real and devastating,” Bethel said. “Through strong partnerships, shared intelligence, and a commitment to prevention, intervention, and enforcement, we are making it clear that exploitation will not be tolerated in our city.”

The Salvation Army’s program in Philadelphia includes a drop-in center in Kensington serving women impacted by the commercial sex trade, as well as a 24-hour hotline and street outreach services.

“Through our New Day to Stop Trafficking program, we meet survivors where they are, whether that is through street outreach, our 24-hour hotline or mobile case management,” said Capt. Felicia Lyle, area commander for The Salvation Army in Greater Philadelphia. “We connect them to the care and support they need in real time.” 

Anyone seeking help can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO to 233733.

Keywords

Philadelphia human trafficking,

Cherelle Parker,

FIFA World Cup 2026 Philadelphia,

Salvation Army trafficking program,

STOP THE TRAFFIK,

Chatterblast Media,

Philadelphia public safety,

human trafficking awareness campaign,

Kensington outreach services,

Philadelphia 2026 events