A local coffee shop on Fulton Street with a unique concept is a nonprofit that aims to end human trafficking.
With every purchase at A 2nd Cup, whether it is through a cup of coffee or one of their vast arrays of merchandise on sale, the funds are used to invest in providing economic opportunities for human trafficking survivors.
While Houston is known for its cultural diversity, it is also one of the biggest hotspots for human trafficking. According to the Houston Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, human trafficking is the recruitment or transportation of anyone–using threats, fraud, or force–for the purpose of exploitation.
As of 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received 2,373 signals from Texas. Nine-hundred cases were identified with 1,723 victims involved. Human trafficking is a serious issue within the Greater Houston area, but this nonprofit coffee shop is working hard to fight against it, one cup at a time.
A 2nd Cup also encourages every customer to read the walls that are covered in information about human trafficking to give every customer an insight into the real epidemic of human trafficking.
“I wanted A 2nd Cup to be a space where people could learn about human trafficking and have the same feeling I did of outrage,” said founder Erica Raggett. “We also want people to walk away feeling empowered. When you see or hear about an issue this big and heavy and overwhelming, the only way to walk away and feel empowered is to do something.”
A 2nd Cup works with organizations such as United Against Human Trafficking to educate and help those affected by human trafficking. One of the ways they inform the community is through virtual training sessions and provide resources to survivors of exploitation and tips are shared to help recognize signs of human trafficking.
UAHT also provides youth human trafficking programs to help teens and adolescents safely navigate through potential and existing exploitative situations, among many more resources.
“Through our partner company UAHT, those resources are invested back into short- and long-term aftercare for survivors of trafficking,” said operations coordinator Melissa Melendez.
Those interested in indulging in a cup with a cause behind it can visit A 2nd Cup at 4928 Fulton St. They can start creating open dialogues for friends and family surrounding human trafficking.
Visitors can chat with staff and connect with people such as Melendez about any opportunity to learn how they can raise awareness and keep loved ones safe.
Visit the United Against Human Trafficking website to learn more about their cause and any events coming up.
If you suspect human trafficking activity, make an anonymous call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline (1 (888) 373-7888). You can also text BeFree to 233733.
