From SHARED HOPE INTERNATIONAL Web Site
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shared Hope International?
Shared Hope International (SHI) is a 501c-3 non-profit organization existing to rescue and restore women and children in crisis. Former Congresswoman and founder, Linda Smith, has directed the organization since it started in 1998. SHI's domestic programs are run from its west coast office in Vancouver, Washington by nine full time staff, several professional volunteers and interns from our two internship programs. The international programs and public relations efforts are run from our east coast office in Washington D.C. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and the Shared Hope International Advisory Board.
How does SHI rescue and restore women?
We have Homes of Hope in seven countries: India, Nepal, Netherlands, Fiji, South Africa, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. SHI identifies victims of trafficking through our outreach workers or through local law enforcement and or other social service providers. We then provide victims a safe place to heal, both physically and emotionally. At our Homes of Hope, women and children are able to receive medical treatment and counseling, gain economic freedom through job training in our Women's Investment Network (WIN), send their children to school, and continue their own education.
What does SHI do to ensure that women are not re-victimized?
To ensure that women who enter our programs are not re-victimized, there is no time limit to how long a woman or child can live with us. We understand people heal at different rates, and therefore we protect the women and children in our homes until they are ready to face the world as fully restored, economically independent individuals.
What is SHI doing to fight demand?
SHI acknowledges that without demand for victims, there would be no sex trafficking. We have expanded our Predator Project, revealing the perpetrators that create demand in the sex-trafficking trade. The Predator Project has been conducted in more than 14 countries identified as chief places of origin, transit or destination of global trafficking. In addition to research, SHI pursues the “three Ps”-prevention, prosecution and protection-to bring greater justice for victims and prosecution to predators.
How can I contribute to SHI?
We need your help to shatter the wall of silence keeping thousands of women and children around the world in captivity. Your voice can make a difference! Click here to find ways that you can financially support SHI's efforts to stop sex trafficking and provide a new life for women and children around the world.
How can I get involved with SHI?
We need help spreading the word about Shared Hope International and the fight against sex trafficking. You can tell your friends and family about us, and even send them a personalized message directing them to our website. Another way to get more involved with SHI is to Host Your Own Event. We also accept applications for volunteers at both our Vancouver, Washington and Washington DC offices. For students, we also have internship and fellowship programs.
How can I contact Shared Hope?
If you have questions about Share Hope International, please call us at 1-866-HER-LIFE or send an email to savelives@sharedhope.org. Most inquiries by email will be answered within two business days; however, during times where staff is traveling, it may take longer.
Linda Smith (politician)
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Linda SmithLinda Smith (born July 26, 1950 in La Junta, Colorado) is a member of the Republican Party who represented Washington's Third Congressional District from 1995 to 1999 in the United States House of Representatives.
Smith grew up in Vancouver, Washington. She became the manager of a number of indepedent tax offices in Southern Washington.
Smith began her political career in 1983 when she defeated a Democratic Party incumbent to win a seat in the Washington House of Representatives. In 1987, she moved up to the state senate and remained there until her supporters began a September 1994 write-in campaign to elect her to Washington's Third Congressional district. In spite of being dubbed the "Hazel Dell housewife", Smith began a 19-day long grassroots campaign which resulted in her winning the Congressional seat. She narrowly won re election in 1996.
Smith was known for her staunch anti-abortion stance and her maverick tendencies, such as opposing the Balanced Budget Amendment, supporting campaign finance reform, and most notably of all, being one of 9 House Republicans to vote against confirming House-Speaker Newt Gingrich in early 1997. In 1998 Smith defeated a well-financed primary opponent to face sitting US Senator Patty Murray, only the third Senate race between two women. Many observers expected the election to be close, but instead Murray won by a lopsided 58-42% margin.
Since Smith's retirement from Congress she has devoted all her energies to ending the practice of human trafficking. She lives in Vancouver, Washington with her husband, and has 6 children and 2 grandchildren.