CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While some neighbors in western North Carolina are still picking up the pieces after Helene, others have nothing left to grab.
It's a weakness that has a community praying for them, but others preying on them.
"They don't have safe housing or access to clean food and water," said Rita Sneider-Cotter, the executive director of Our Voice in Asheville.
Sneider-Cotter said conditions for trafficking unfortunately have become even more rampant.
"Imagine how appealing that would be if you lost your house and your job, and then someone shows up and says they can provide both for you," she said.
Sneider-Cotter said Our Voice is seeing two types of trafficking: labor and sex trafficking.
"You don't have control over the working conditions, and you're not being paid fairly for that job," said Sneider-Cotter of the former. She notes sex trafficking is when a person has no control over who they're having sex with, or over the money that's coming in.
One of the things she said Our Voice is doing to keep families safe is spreading awareness, especially to those who could be considered easy targets.
"Vulnerable neighbors that don't have a support system, that are being exploited, or our homeless neighbors -- those are the folks that we really need to be paying attention to," she said.
Sneider-Cotter said Our Voice is also working to better meet the needs with hopes of empowering families.
"We are working to have resources come in so folks make sure that they're able to stay in their homes and pay rent," she said.
Calls continue to come in. Our Voice anticipates that isn't stopping anytime soon because trafficking is not always found right away.
If you are interested in learning more or are in need of help, click here.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.