Memphis, TN (May 22, 2025) – In a united effort to support survivors of sex trafficking in the U.S., Our Rescue and We Fight Monsters have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to renovate and complete construction of a new “Hope House” – a Recovery House for Survivors at 1192 Melrose Street in Memphis, Tennessee. The facility will serve as a safe, restorative space for survivors of human trafficking, providing trauma-informed care, transitional housing, and comprehensive support services.
This project brings together two mission-driven nonprofit organizations: Our Rescue, a global NGO combatting child exploitation and sex trafficking, and We Fight Monsters, a Tennessee-based nonprofit focused on restoring dignity and healing to individuals affected by human and narcotics trafficking. Together, they are transforming a once-forgotten building into a beacon of safety, healing, and hope.
“This partnership reflects the heart of who we are and what we stand for,’ said Derek Benner, CEO of Our Rescue. ‘Every survivor deserves a safe place to heal and reclaim their lives. Through this collaboration with We Fight Monsters, we’re not just building a shelter — we’re building a future filled with hope, strength, and opportunity.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Our Rescue will provide a financial grant toward the renovation and construction project, along with technical assistance, survivor care expertise, and strategic coordination. We Fight Monsters will lead the on-the-ground efforts, including shelter renovation, program delivery, and local stakeholder engagement.
“This is a dream realized,’ said Ben Owen, co-founder of We Fight Monsters. ‘We believe in confronting darkness with light, and this shelter will be a sanctuary of transformation. It will stand as proof that healing is possible, that hope can rise from hardship, and that community matters.”
“No one person or organization can stop sex trafficking alone,’ Benner added. ‘But when we work together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of survivors—and on the future of our communities.”
The 1192 Melrose shelter will serve as a safe home for trafficking survivors, offering trauma-informed care, transitional housing, and critical support services. Construction has already begun, with both organizations committed to delivering a survivor-informed, impact-driven model of care. In the coming months, there will also be opportunities for community and corporations to get involved.
“This project isn’t just about construction — it’s about community,” added co-founder Jessica Owen. “We invite residents, churches, businesses, and civic partners to be part of something truly meaningful. Together, we can create a safe place that empowers healing, recovery, and redemption while uplifting our entire city from the bottom up.”
About Our Rescue
Our Rescue is a global non-governmental organization on a mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation by empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive on their healing journey. The organization focuses on education toward prevention, supports law enforcement in rescuing survivors and prosecuting perpetrators, and provides trauma-informed survivor care services. Our Rescue operates in the U.S. and 30+ countries. Learn more at www.ourrescue.org.
About We Fight Monsters
We Fight Monsters is a Tennessee-based nonprofit organization dedicated to confronting and conquering the twin evils of human and narcotics trafficking. Through survivor support, neighborhood restoration, and advocacy, they work to uplift communities from despair to dignity. Learn more at www.wefightmonsters.org.
Media Contacts
Janeen Vogelaar
SVP, Marketing & Communications
Our Rescue
[email protected]
Kasey Ables
Director of Operations
We Fight Monsters
[email protected]