Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for Human Trafficking Survivors on Twelfth Day of Giving

• December 16 2022

HELENA, Mont. – On the final day of his 2022 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged Montanans to support survivors of human trafficking, spotlighting the Billings-based HER Campaign.

"Human trafficking crimes are despicable. As we hold criminals accountable, it’s important we support survivors as they heal, grow, and find purpose,” Governor Gianforte said. “I appreciate the work of HER Campaign to support survivors and empower them to lead full and independent lives. They’re making a tremendous difference, and I encourage Montanans to support them if they’re able.”

Image courtesy of HER Campaign

Founded by Britney and Sammy Higgs in 2016, HER Campaign was created to help survivors of human trafficking lead a life of independence.

“Since 2016, women in our care have experienced a safe place to receive support, community, and empowerment. It continues to be an honor to be invited into their journey of healing, growth, and finding purpose,” said Britney and Sammy Higgs, founders of HER Campaign. “Each resident has a unique and beautiful purpose on this earth and it is an honor to get to share in their journey.”

HER Campaign offers residential programs for survivors of human trafficking. Providing four steps in the survivor continuum of care, HER Campaign services include a safe house, emergency shelter, long term residential programs, and transitional housing.

Currently, HER Campaign is fundraising for program expansion in 2023, as there are not enough beds to serve every survivor needing help and emergency placement in Montana.

“HER Campaign is committed to growing and expanding our facilities to accommodate an additional 20 survivors in 2023,” Sammy and Britney continued. “Please help us raise an additional $200,000 to operate the expansion of our residential programs.”

Montanans interested in learning more about HER Campaign may visit hercampaign.org. 

The governor’s second annual 12 Days of Giving, concluding today, highlighted the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans.

• On the 1^st Day of Giving, the governor visited the Butte Rescue Mission and served lunch to Montanans struggling with food insecurity.
• On the 2^nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the second annual canned food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
• On the 3^rd Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Montana veterans through the Veterans Navigation Network.
• On the 4^th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.
• On the 5^th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.
• On the 6^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Youth Empowerment Services (YES!) in Anaconda.
• On the 7^th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to give back to our firefighting workforce through the Montana Firefighter Fund.
• On the 8^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Child Bridge.
• On the 9^th Day of Giving, the governor promoted the work of Special Olympics Montana and encouraged Montanans to support their mission.
• On the 10^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the Montana 4-H Foundation.
• On the 11^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the North West Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry.
• On the 12^th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support survivors of human trafficking through HER Campaign. 

###