Maine anti-trafficking provider may have to cut back services over federal funding uncertainty

A major support provider for victims of human trafficking in Maine says it may have to scale back emergency services next month, because new federal grant funding hasn't been released.

The nonprofit Preble Street supported more than 150 trafficking victims from seven Maine counties through a $950,000, three-year federal grant.

Current funding from the U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crimes runs out at the end of September, and no new funding has been announced, said Hailey Virusso, the anti-trafficking director for the nonprofit.

She said Preble Street hasn't heard anything about new grant funding and is preparing for the "worst-case scenario." Survivors with current cases through Preble Street will be served, Virusso said, but the group may have to take on fewer new cli